Police chief condemns 'inexcusable' Plymouth violence

Praise as city 'stands up' to hate and violence

Devon police commissioner Alison Hernandez has condemned ‘unacceptable’ violence which broke out in Plymouth last night.

Six people were arrested and several police officers were injured as the nationwide wave of social media-fuelled anti-immigration protests hit the city.

Bricks and fireworks were thrown as police tried to keep rival protests separate.

Ms  Hernandez said there was no excuse for the violence.

“Devon & Cornwall Police has a proud history of supporting peaceful protest and will facilitate it whenever possible,” she said.

“The violence we saw last night, however, is completely unacceptable. I would like to pay tribute to the frontline officers who put the public's wellbeing ahead of their own in order to gain control of the situation, and in doing so were hurt in the line of duty.

"I would like to thank the city of Plymouth for standing up against hate and violence in a peaceful way."

Streets in the city centre were strewn with debris from rocks and glass bottles together with small paving stones which had been ripped from the ground.

There were also a number of damaged bins.

Mechanical sweepers were out early today cleaning the length of Royal Parade which was at the epicentre of last night’s trouble.

Further afield glass was swept off the road near Midland House and the area cleared of debris. Up on the Hoe promenade the team removed and replaced a burnt out large bin as well as clearing up rubbish left strewn near Tinside.

Cllr Sally Haydon (Lab, St Budeaux), the city council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “I can’t thank this team enough for restoring Plymouth’s city centre in time for the start of the working day.

“It is thanks to their magnificent efforts, Plymouth is once again looking spick and span in the summer sunshine.

“I know that last night has left city centre businesses shaken, but we would like to thank them for taking precautions by closing early and working with the police and the Council to minimise the potential for damage.

“And the message to our residents – the city centre is safe!  Please show your support by popping down,  spending time there, being part of the heart of Plymouth.”

Police are asking anyone whose property was damaged to take photographs and report online or call 101.