A section 60 has been authorised in Croydon as police prepare to deal with any potential disorder.

Section 60 powers allow police to stop and search individuals without reasonable suspicion in designated areas where they anticipate serious violence.

The Section 60 in Croydon is authorised until 2am tomorrow (Thursday).

 

It comes after a statement, circulating on social media, warning people to “avoid” Croydon due to possible riots today (August 7).

The council has denied any protest activity, but it has urged people to remain “alert and vigilant” and to report any issues to the police.

It added: “We are working closely with the police and at this time there is no intelligence that we will see protest activity in Croydon.”

Earlier today, Croydon Labour condemned the actions of “a hateful minority” as riots are breaking out across the UK. In a statement, the group said it is shocked by scenes of violent disorder, describing the actions as "far-right thuggery.”

They explained that it goes against everything Croydon stands for and those involved should face the “strongest possible action”.

The group added: “The singling out of Muslims and minority communities including migrants and refugees elsewhere in the UK will leave some in our community feeling shocked, frightened and vulnerable.”

A spokesperson for Croydon MPS said: “We've authorised Section 60 powers until 2am on Thursday, August 8 in Croydon as we prepare to deal with any potential disorder. Our priority is to keep people safe.”