UK riots live: Almost 500 arrested over far-right disorder, as judges hit thugs with more heavy jail sentences

The total number of arrests made relating to violent disorder following the Southport killings now stands at 483, with 149 charges issued against those involved.

It comes as two rioters who were “at the forefront” of violent far-right disorder on Merseyside have been jailed over their “disgraceful” actions.

John O’Malley, 43, and William Morgan, 69, have both been handed a sentence of two years and eight months at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting to violent disorder last Tuesday.

It comes as the Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley joined his officers at dawn for raids to arrest rioting “thugs” following the anti-racism protests on Wednesday.

He said the “fears of extreme-right disorder” were headed off in the capital thanks to a “show of unity from communities”.

Thousands of counter-protesters took to the streets of England on Wednesday in defiance of far-right violence that has swept the country over the last week.

But fears remain of more disorder over the weekend with far-right protests planned in Newcastle, Liverpool, Salford, Taunton, Birmingham , Dover, Bournemouth and Glasgow.

Sir Keir Starmer is set to summon law enforcement officers to discuss the aftermath of the riots in a Cobra meeting.

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