BRITAIN CANNOT LET RIOTING THUGS WIN

EXTREMIST thugs must not be allowed to "win" amid fears a summer of riots is about to explode across the nation.

- Michael Knowles

Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly said ministers must back the police "to do what is necessary to maintain law and order and stop further escalation".

Last night police confronted more thugs in Sunderland, left, while far-right activists advertised at least 35 demonstrations to be held over the weekend.

Some yobs are advocating promoting mass gatherings by using social media. Anti-fascist charity Hope Not Hate said it was "deeply concerned many will become violent", with mosques targeted. Mr Cleverly added: "We cannot let rioting thugs and extremists win."

Last night far-right protesters marching on a Sunderland mosque threw bricks at police and set a vehicle ablaze.

Riot officers and others on horseback formed a protective ring around the building under a hail of missiles as shoppers sheltered in an Aldi. Other thugs smashed a police vehicle's window before the car drove off.

Hundreds of protesters had gathered in Keel Square in apparent response to the Southport stabbings, many in balaclavas and waving England flags while swigging beer.

Some passing motorists sounded their horn in apparent support of the rally. Yobs launched beer barrels and stones at police while a helicopter flew over as sections of the crowd yelled: "Whose streets? Our streets". Others shouted in support of far-right activist Tommy Robinson.