'Stay out of Plymouth' residents advised

Council and police issue warnings

Devon and Cornwall Police and Plymouth City Council have warned of protests taking place tonight, following days of violence in other parts of the country.

The council is advising residents to stay away from the city centre from 4pm on Monday afternoon. They say it is to ensure people are kept safe.

Regent Street car park is to be closed and buses diverted away from Royal Parade.

A performance of Elton John's new musical The Devil Wears Prada, which is enjoying huge success ahead of its transfer to London's West End, has been cancelled.

Two separate protest groups are planning demonstrations in Plymouth.

The Bishop of Plymouth, Rev. James Greer, wants people to light candles at 7pm and "pause and take a moment and pray for peace."

Across the country, more than 400 people have now been arrested following disturbance, which arose after three girls were stabbed to death Southport last week and false claims on social media that an asylum-seeker was to blame.

A British teenager has since been charged with murder and is awaiting trial.

Assistant chief constable Glen Mayhew said: “As a result of the information we have received, we will be increasing our presence in the city centre. I have a dedicated team planning the policing for this, and other events as they occur during the week."

He continued: “Residents, visitors, and local businesses can expect to see an increased policing presence in the area as a result of this.

“We are liaising with the organisers to ensure compliance with the current law and to protect our communities. We understand the right to protest, but some protests have resulted in disorder and such conduct will not be tolerated. We will take positive action against individuals in breach of the law.

“We are fully prepared to respond to incidents of disorder, and we have the resources in place to deal with these incidents to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the local community.”