UK Riots : What if the police come knocking on your door?

Huge Clampdown Will Lead to “Hundreds, maybe thousands” of Arrests.

Following widespread public disturbances reently, the police will likely seek to arrest many hundreds – maybe thousands – of suspects in the coming weeks. Indeed, the arrests have already started and have been keeping us extremely busy.

Some people may be expecting that early morning knock, but others may well be surprised to learn that they are thought to have done anything wrong.

Committing Offences That Could Lead to a Conviction.

Is mere presence enough? What about laughing, heckling, shouting or a hand gesture or two? Is that enough to implicate you in allegations of violent disorder or even riot?

And what about things posted online? As arrests are being made for posts seen to be encouraging public disorder and containing offensive/racist content, the concerns are just as real.

Each case will be meticulously examined, but if you fear the knock, it’s crucial to be prepared for what might follow. Being proactive and ready for any eventuality is key.

What is likely to happen

You will be arrested, your digital devices seized, interviewed by the police and possibly charged with an offence. Bail is likely to be denied both by the police and the courts as institutions heed the political tone set by the Prime Minister and Home Secretary.

The Home Secretary is on record as saying:

“So we should be clear there will be people who were thinking they were going on their summer holidays this week and instead they will face a knock on the door from the police, they will face arrest, and a police cell while they wait for trail in order to make sure that they do pay the price for what they have done.

We have made very clear to the police they have our full support in pursuing the full range of prosecutions and penalties including serious prison sentences, long term tagging travel bans and more.”

You will need legal representation at the police station and in court, so if you are preparing for the inevitable, get in touch with us as soon as possible so that we can explain your options, guide you through the process, and ensure the best possible outcome.

How We Can Help

If you have any questions or concerns regarding possible arrest for public disorder or something posted online, you can contact us on 0161 477 1121 or email us for more information.