Finchley is among the places reportedly being targeted by racist thugs following a series of riots across the UK, reports Sebastian Mann, Local Democracy Reporter

Sarah Sackman, Labour candidate for Finchley and Golders Green — Sarah Sackman MP

Extra police patrols have been organised in Finchley amid reports of a potential gathering by the far-right.

Finchley has reportedly been included on a list of locations where demonstrators intend to gather tomorrow evening (Wednesday 7th).

The neighbourhood is one of four in London that appear on the list, alongside Harrow, Hounslow and Walthamstow.

Andy Valentine, deputy assistant commissioner with the Metropolitan Police, said the force “knew about the events planned by hateful and divisive groups,” adding: “They’ve made their intention to cause disruption and division very clear.”

In a statement, he condemned recent gatherings by the far-right in various towns and cities as consisting of “racist, thuggish and criminal behaviour” and called them “deeply shocking”.

He added: “This country is faced with one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade. This is a national critical incident and we will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities.”

Londoners in certain areas of the capital can expect to see more police officers than usual, the Met said.

The reports come as the UK enters its seventh day of widespread disorder, following the killings of three young girls in Southport on 29th July.

Almost 400 people have been arrested after violent rioting took over cities and towns including Rotherham, Sunderland, Belfast, Plymouth and Southport.

The deputy commissioner continued: “We will not tolerate this on our streets. We will use every power, tactic and tool available to prevent further scenes of disorder.

“We arrested more than 100 people in central London disorder last week and we will not hesitate to arrest hundreds more if they take to the streets intent on fuelling violence.

“Our message to anyone who plans to breed disorder is clear: you will face the full force of the law.”

Sarah Sackman, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, added: “A service helping immigrants in Finchley has been included in a list of targets of far right groups planning actions this week. This is disgusting.

“I have been in touch with local community and faith groups as well as the police who have informed me of their policing plan.

“I urge residents of Finchley and Golders Green to remain calm and vigilant during this time. We will not let the far-right divide us. Our hope will conquer their hate. Those who perpetuate violence and hate will face the full force of the law.”

Police believe the national unrest has been fuelled by false rumours the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker.

Sadiq Khan, the Labour mayor of London, said: “In London, we are united against hatred, and I am working closely with partners to ensure all of our communities are safe – and feel safe.

“Today the Met Police and London Resilience Unit have brought together partners from across the capital, from emergency services to local authorities to voluntary, community and faith representatives to ensure we are working together to achieve that aim at a time of heightened tensions.”

Dozens of police officers have been reported injured across the UK, as rioters hurled missiles and set fire to police stations and high street shops.

Sir Keir Starmer, now in his second month as prime minister, told the cabinet today (Tuesday 6th) he will take “all necessary action” to bring the disorder to an end.

Police across the country have said they are working “around the clock” to identify and arrest participants.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.