The Metropolitan Police has 1,300 officers ready to be deployed in the event of riots

The Metropolitan Police has said it has more than 1,300 officers on standby across London as the country experiences “one of the worst periods of violent unrest in the last decade”.

It follows more than a week of violence in some cities in England and Northern Ireland. More than Last week, 100 people were arrested in central London when clashes broke out between officers and protesters in Whitehall.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Valentine said police were “aware of events planned by hateful and divisive groups across the capital” and would “not hesitate” to arrest people.

He thanked Londoners who had condemned the riots and urged people not to spread “inflammatory speculation on the internet”.

“We also ask parents to think carefully about where their children are today and in the days to come,” he added.

Mr Valentine said that in addition to the officers already deployed in the capital's communities, more than 1,300 law enforcement officers were ready for action.

“We will not tolerate unrest and will make arrests,” he said.

He added that the force would deploy mounted units, dog handlers, intelligence experts and “evidence collectors” and would also have “retroactive facial recognition”.

“This technology can be used even if the perpetrators are wearing masks,” he said.

“This is a national critical incident and we will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities.”

The London Fire Brigade said it was also ready to respond to incidents.

Assistant Commissioner Paul McCourt said: “We are in close contact with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service and stand ready to support them in responding to emergencies if required.

“We will also work closely with the UK police to ensure the safety of our teams who are working to protect London’s communities.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the riots were “truly shocking”.

On Wednesday morning he said: “I am aware of reports that far-right groups are currently planning to target locations in London. I want to make it very clear to anyone who seeks to spread hatred and fear in our city: those who break the law will be punished.”

In a statement on X, He said: “I am in regular contact with the Met, who are working closely with community leaders and local organisations to protect the affected buildings and places of worship and to reassure Londoners.

“I know that the shocking scenes have caused fear and terror among many Muslims and ethnic minorities. That is why I am asking my fellow Londoners to look after their friends and neighbours and show them that care and compassion are at the heart of London.

The unrest followed the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport. The ensuing unrest was fuelled in part by online misinformation, far-right movements and anti-immigration sentiment.

Mr Valentine said Metropolitan Police officers had been “faced with dangerous and violent scenes and verbal abuse” during the riots and that “members and officers had been attacked and many injured”.

He added: “Our officials and our communities have really stuck together during these difficult times.”

Suspects continued to appear in court across the UK, with 100 people facing charges and over 400 arrested in connection with the riots.

hundrets of Additional prison spaces will also be made available to cope with the influx.