Staffordshire Police praised for 'bravery' during 2024 riots - but report demands understanding of social-media radicalisation
The Home Office Select Committee report into the last summer's public disorder praised the bravery of Staffordshire Police officers but highlighted the lack of preparation for unrest whipped up by social media.
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After the murder of children in Southport last summer there was a wave of violence across the country in August with Staffordshire being one of the country's worst hotspots.
The Home Office Select Committee's findings revealed: "Police forces failed to anticipate the intensity of the violence in 2024. This undermined their ability to undertake proactive policing and left officers exposed to significant risk."
In Staffordshire there were two major incidents, one in Hanley when an 'organised protest' descended into violent disorder, and then days later an angry mob congregated to attack immigrants in a hotel.
Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble gave evidence to the committee and admitted his officers were not prepared for the angry mob which besieged a hotel full of immigrants in Tamworth.
