Police 'better prepared' for possible disorder ahead of weekend, chief insists
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA leading cop insists the UK's police forces are now 'definitely better prepared' to deal with disorder than last weekend. Violence erupted across the country in the wake of the devastating Southport knife attacks.
In Greater Manchester, ugly scenes flared up in Piccadilly Gardens, Newton Heath and Bolton town centre. Communities have been on stand-by for further disorder throughout this week, but rumoured anti-immigration protests across Greater Manchester on Tuesday and Wednesday failed to materialise - while counter-protesters sent a clear message for unity on Wednesday night.
Ahead of this weekend, the chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has claimed that his colleagues across the country are now in better shape to deal with possible riots than they were a week ago.
Asked how the mood felt going into the weekend, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens told a media briefing: "I think we feel better prepared, definitely. READ MORE: Son who killed dad in hammer attack after shouting 'he's a f***** German' found not guilty "Naturally, we’ve had days to plan and gear up the national response.
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