Responding to the protests on 5 August 2024 in Plymouth, Councillor Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:
Now the night is almost behind us and the crowds have dispersed from the city centre, we'd like to thank our partners at Devon and Cornwall Police for their incredible work on the ground to keep people safe.
While most protestors were peaceful, we are appalled by a small number of individuals who engaged in aggressive, violent and abusive behaviour.
I remain incredibly angry on behalf of Plymouth that so many people from outside our city felt emboldened to come here and cause disruption and unrest. Thuggery on tour is not acceptable.
From first light we will assess the damage done to our city centre and Council officers will start the process of repairing the things that are broken and cleaning up the area.
We know that our communities will be feeling understandably concerned and we would like to reassure our residents that we will do all we can to help bring any violent protestors to justice.
We must not allow ourselves to be divided by racists who are capitalising on an awful tragedy with lies and misinformation.
Plymouth is a united city. One that embraces and celebrates diversity and all communities. Our strength is that we come together, time after time. We support each other, we show compassion, understanding and solidarity and despite the disorder we have seen tonight, I am seeing that spirit shine through already.
We are incredibly aware that some of our communities, especially minority communities, are anxious about discrimination, abuse, anti-Muslim sentiment and racism and this should be something that worries us all.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and we will continue to work with the Police and community leaders to make sure that Plymouth remains a welcoming and safe city.
Tomorrow, my Cabinet colleagues will be seeking to meet with representatives from our Muslim community to offer our continued support and help.
And finally, I will be clear – these people do not represent Plymouth. They are a small minority of thugs who are not welcome in our city.
As a reminder, in an emergency please call 999 or anything non urgent to report – please call 101.
In addition, Victim Support is an independent charity offering free and confidential support to victims of crime and anti-social behaviour. Victim Support can be contacted by calling freephone number 0808 16 89 111 or via their website