A list of solicitors firms and names of individuals have been shared as ‘targets’ on Whatsapp and other social media sites.
Law firms that offer immigration services, as well as asylum/refugee support centres and hotels housing asylum seekers, are particularly at risk from violence.
This is due to the rioters’ anger over previous and current immigration policies in the UK.
The Law Society of England and Wales have expressed their concerns regarding the safety of their members and has praised the government for their swift responses to them.
Law Society of England and Wales president Nick Emmerson said: “We deplore the violent scenes and rioting that we have witnessed across the past week.
“I have written to the Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Home Secretary today asking that the threats against the legal profession are treated with the utmost seriousness.
“A direct assault on our legal profession is a direct assault on our democratic values and we are supporting our members who are being targeted.
“It is paramount that justice is done for all those who have been involved in, or are victims of, the riots.
“We want to see that the necessary support and resources are provided for both prosecution and defence lawyers, courts staff and judiciary in dealing with this emergency.
Riots across the country are set to continue this week, with more than 1000 arrests already being made.
Emmerson said: “The criminal justice system has suffered significant neglect over the last decade and has less resilience and flexibility with severe backlogs in the Magistrates and Crown Courts.
“The criminal defence profession is also depleted and over-worked and the goodwill of the solicitors who are being called on to work additional antisocial hours is fast running out.”
Police have urged people to remain vigilant, be mindful of harmful information being spread online and report when necessary.
Do you have a legal matter that you need help with? Contact Kingswell Watts on 01924 461236, or email enquiries@kingswellwatts.co.uk
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