British police brace for more riots as far-right groups target asylum centres

British police are on high alert for further anti-Muslim and anti-migrant riots on August 7, with far-right groups planning to target asylum centres and immigration law firms across the country.

In response, anti-fascist protesters are organizing counter-demonstrations, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The violence in Britain escalated last week after a tragic knife attack in Southport, northwest England, killed three young girls. This incident fueled a wave of misinformation online, falsely identifying the suspected attacker as an Islamist migrant. The misinformation has intensified the unrest.

In preparation for the potential violence, specialist immigration law firms and migrant support centres have closed for the day, and some family doctors' services in affected areas have closed early to protect their staff.

Asylum Link Merseyside, which provides support to asylum seekers and refugees in Liverpool, announced that its building was closed and would not accept new arrivals. "Our staff are currently working on securing the building," the organization stated.

The government and police have condemned the threats made against immigration-related offices. Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood stated, "Inciting mobs to attack (lawyers') offices, or threatening them in any way, is unacceptable. Those found doing so will face the full force of the law."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is addressing his first major crisis since taking office on July 4, warned that rioters could face lengthy prison sentences. He has vowed to tackle what has become the most severe outbreak of violence in Britain in 13 years.