Disorder probe could take 18 months - police chief

The investigation into the violent disorder in Staffordshire could take 12 to 18 months, according to the county’s chief constable.

More than 100 people have been arrested in connection with the riots in Stoke-on-Trent on 3 August and Tamworth on 4 August.

Nearly 50 of those arrested have been charged.

During a meeting with Police and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams on Monday, Chief Constable Chris Noble of Staffordshire Police said there were “horrendous” incidents of violence committed against officers during both days of unrest.

“There will be consequences, not just because people have attacked public servants, but because they were attacks on communities and vulnerable people as well,” he said.

Mr Noble said the force was working with the Home Office to make sure there was a “proper recompense” for policing.

He said the last thing he wanted was to see the service “deteriorate” or “slow down” across other areas of crime due to the significant impact on officers and their families.

“The impact on the public will continue. So it’s important that we get a degree of restitution and thankfully the government are taking that very seriously,” he added.

Mr Adams said Staffordshire had rallied behind the police following the disorder and people had shown “massive respect” to the officers.

“I know the numbers [of arrests] are increasing, and just watching that process, it’s a considerable one for the force in terms of manpower and resources, and costs ultimately,” he added.

The disorder broke out across the UK during the summer after disinformation was spread about the alleged perpetrator involved in the murder of three girls in Southport in July.

The unrest in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, occurred on 3 August as a result of clashes between protesters and counter-protesters.

A day later, a group of people gathered by the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Tamworth, believed to have been housing asylum seekers, where a fire was ignited as police with riot gear attempted to keep the crowd back.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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