Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley has issued a statement about the Northamptonshire Police response to the national public disorder challenges in recent days which we are sharing with you here…

"The UK-wide public disorder and violent disturbances of the past few days have been deeply troubling and all of you will have seen the dreadful scenes in towns and cities across the country.

"Thankfully, Northamptonshire has so far not yet witnessed any violent disorder but let me assure you we are absolutely ready to address it if it does.

"We are continuing to plan for and manage any potential risks, and resourcing plans are in place to ensure officers are ready to respond should any protests or disorder occur in our county.

"I would like to thank our communities for their support and for engaging positively with our officers as they both continue to ensure a normal policing service for those who need it, while providing support and reassurance in communities where there are understandable concerns and feelings insecurity.

"Our neighbourhood policing teams will continue to work closely with their local communities and I encourage you to speak with them if you have any questions or concerns. Please also come forward if you have any information that you believe may be relevant or useful to us in our work to protect our communities and keep people safe during this difficult and uncertain period.

"We know many of those attending the so-called protests across the country, and getting involved in violence and disorder, are responding directly to what they see online. We’re working hard to counteract this but we can only do so much and need your help.

"Please be careful about information you share and help us and our communities by only sharing information supplied by the police or partner organisations, or information you know to be true.

"I would also ask you not to respond to any speculation. If you are concerned or have information that may assist us, please do link in with your neighbourhood policing contacts or report information to us online or via 999 in an emergency."

"We are working hard to keep our county safe and our intelligence teams are working around the clock to identify anyone who may be involved in planning or inciting violent disorder in our county.

"Policing is not anti-protest, we are anti-crime and we are here to protect the public and keep the peace no matter people’s beliefs.

"Those who cause or incite violence will be brought to justice. Violent disorder is a serious offence which often comes with a lengthy jail term so be assured we will take any such offences seriously and will work with our criminal justice partners to do this should the need arise.

"We are supporting our colleagues across the country where required, who are doing a fantastic job in the face of such sustained violence and disorder. Locally, we are prepared but business as usual policing remains ongoing and as always, the top priority is public safety."

If you have any comments or questions, please get in touch. You can reply to this message, speak with your local neighbourhood police officers, or contact us online or by phone in the usual way.

Thank you

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Northamptonshire Police Corporate Communications Team