Update midnight
See the full statement from Councillor Jemima Laing.
Update 10pm
Statement from Councillor Sally Haydon, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “I know it is distressing to see the scenes on TV or social media this evening, showing aggressive protest scenes in our City Centre. The Police are working really hard to keep the situation under control, but I urge everyone who is still out in the city centre – either participating in a protest or just watching, please go home.
“This is not the Plymouth way. We must be united. Those who are violent and abusive do not represent us and this disruption must now come to an end.”
Update 5pm
Last minute appeal from Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety. She said: “To reiterate what Cllr Evans said very clearly last night – if you are thinking of coming to Plymouth to cause trouble or criminal activity then do not bother. You are not welcome.
“We are a united city. One that embraces and celebrates diversity and all communities. We must not allow ourselves to be divided by racists who are capitalising on an awful tragedy with lies and misinformation. Even today we have seen social media posts claiming that certain hotels in the city centre are housing refugees. That is simply not true.
“Throughout the day, Council officers have been working hard with the Police and other partners, to ensure that the city centre is prepared. We’ve spoken to businesses, installed more CCTV and ensured that properties are as secure as they can be. At the same time we have reached out to our local community leaders – to offer reassurance and support.
“Whilst we do not know what is going to happen this evening, we want everyone to be safe. Therefore, staying away from the city centre for the next few hours might be the most sensible thing to do. We are hopeful that everything will be peaceful. But should that not be the case, together with our partners, we have robust plans in place.”
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
Update 3pm
In order to ensure the safety of staff and residents, Central Library on Armada Way will be closing tonight at 4pm (rather than 6pm).
Update 2.30pm
Plymouth City Bus and Stagecoach Southwest have issued the below notice for passengers:
Due to a planned protest in Plymouth city centre this evening, we are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our passengers and staff.
Starting from 15.30, all Plymouth Citybus, Go Cornwall Bus and Stagecoach Southwest scheduled services will be diverted away from Royal Parade and Mayflower Street.
- Passengers traveling West via Plymouth Railway Station: Please board at the stop outside Toys R Us on Western Approach.
- Passengers traveling North beyond North Hill: Please board at Charles Street or the University.
- Passengers traveling East to Marsh Mills and Plymstock: Please board at Exeter Street.
Route Adjustments:
- Service 1: Will divert via Coburg St to pick up drop off at Charles Street
- Service 1A: Will not serve Royal Parade (Towards the George P&R and Charles Street and Towards Sherford and Exeter Street)
- Service 2: The last stop will be Jury's Inn and the next stop the Railway Station. On the return journey the last stop will be the Railway Station and the next stop Exeter Street
- Service 2A: The last stop will be Jury's Inn and the next stop the Railway Station. On the return journey the last stop will be the Railway Station and the next stop Exeter Street
- Services 3, 4, 54, GOLD, 200: The last stop will be Jury's Inn and the next stop Exeter Street
- Service 30/31: Will divert via North Hill roundabout and back up.
- Cross-city services 21/21A: These will operate to and from Exeter Street via Charles Street, Coburg Street, and Western Approach to and from Union Street.
- Service 50: This will follow the same diversion, returning via Western Approach to the station on the normal route.
- Service 51: This will run from Western Approach via North Cross to Coburg Street, Charles Street, and Exeter Street.
- Service 34: This will operate to and from Millbay to Western Approach via North Cross, then down Western Approach back to Millbay.
- Cornwall Services 10/11/12/70/70B: These will operate to and from Western Approach.
Please stay updated through the City Bus website, Stagecoach website, and Twitter for real-time information.
Update 2pm
Please see latest update from Devon and Cornwall Police.
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.
“This morning, I chaired a meeting with partners, to ensure we all work together supporting our communities at the busiest time of the year for all our services”.
“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.”
Update 1.15pm
We are disappointed that there is a planned demonstration in Plymouth tonight. This is not how Plymouth operates.
We have seen our fair share of tragedy over the past few years and throughout it all, we have shown that we stick together. Supporting each other.
The protest aims to divide communities by spreading distrust and hate.
Last night the Leader of the Council issued a statement re-iterating that anyone wanting to come to Plymouth to kick start any criminal, violent or antisocial behaviour is not welcome.
We are working hard to support local communities and together with the local police and other partners we have reached out to local community leaders to offer our help and reassurance. Our priority is that everyone is and feels safe.
We are also liaising with local businesses to make sure that they can make any necessary preparations in advance of the protests. We are deploying additional CCTV cameras to the area and offering our help to secure any properties e.g. scaffolding that are insecure.
However, to ensure your safety, you might want to consider staying away from the city centre from 4pm this evening.
We know that a number of businesses have made the decision to close tonight or close early. If you have any reservations or tickets for events, we encourage you to check with the venue to ensure they are still going ahead before leaving home. If you are a local business and you have any questions, please contact the City Centre Company in the first instance on: [email protected] or call: 01752 398498.
We have made the decision to close Regent Street Car Park, if you are parked there already, you will be able to remove your car and Council officers are on hand to help.
City Bus and Stage Coach have also made the decision to reroute services away from Royal Parade from 3.30pm. Please look at their websites for further information.
As a reminder, in an emergency please call 999 or anything non urgent to report – please call 101.