Far-right riots raise specter of civil war in UK

Britain is facing a national crisis in the face of the worst rioting in 13 years. Violence by far-right groups was sparked by the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport last week and stoked by misinformation on social media.

A tense few hours in this part of London ahead of a potential anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, far-right attack; their target, a legal center in this public building that supports refugees.

There is fear in the air, shops and offices have closed early.

There's a heavy police presence but before long anti racist protesters assemble to protect the building, their numbers swelling quickly.

I've heard of multiple points being targeted tonight by the far right.

And I think it's my duty to come here as a migrant myself but also as a professional and stand by refugees.

Anti-Racist Protester 01

• UK rocked by far-right anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim riots
  

  UK rocked by far-right anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim riots

  The UK’s new Labour government is facing a national crisis.

I feel safe, but there are a lot of people who don't feel safe.

They might not come for me the first time but they might come for me the second time when they ethnic cleanse or whatever craziness is going on.

Anti-Racist Protester 02

The far right had threatened online that they would be here by 8pm.

Darkness has started setting in and the police are still lined up outside the library to protect it with counter protests still ongoing behind us.

Businesses shut down earlier in the day in anticipation of far-right rioters showing up in the area.

But there is no sign of them.

• UK government says 6,000 police mobilized to quell riots
  

  UK government says 6,000 police mobilized to quell riots

  Government ministers are also overseeing moves to provide an extra 500 prison places for far-right thugs.

Other than North Harrow they had threatened to hit tens of other targets across England.

In Walthamstow in the northeast, a massive crowd kept agitators at bay with similar action being taken in Liverpool and other cities.

Earlier in the week British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that those responsible would be severely punished.

Anybody involving themselves in this disorder is going to feel the full force of the law.

British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer

• UK under pressure to end worst violent riots in 13 years
  

  UK under pressure to end worst violent riots in 13 years

  The UK government is under heavy pressure to put an end to the far-right violent riots that have erupted across the country following a deadly stabbing attack that left three young girls dead earlier this week.

Several days of rioting up and down the country have seen attacks on mosques, hotels housing immigrants, and people of color.

More than 400 rioters have been arrested and three jail sentences dispensed. The reason why this happened isn't simple.

This has not come suddenly, okay. Our elected representatives, our MPs, our media, are as responsible as your Tommy Robinsons and Nigel Farage.

If you look at our governments, both labour and Tory, we have a 30 year history of some Islamophobic anti-immigration policy, Islamophobic anti-terrorism legislation that's been introduced by both parties.

We started wars against non white countries for no reason whatsoever based on a lie.

All of this has led us to where we are today.

Muhammad Asaria, NHS Doctor, North Harrow Resident

For the time being the library in Harrow has been spared. But the aura of fear, prevalent in the North Harrow community, is not over yet.

• Far-right violence spreads across UK, heavy security buildup
  

  Far-right violence spreads across UK, prompting heavy security buildup

  Multiple instances of far-right violence are reported across the United Kingdom, prompting the country to ramp up security measures nationwide.

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