BBCTensions are “getting worse” a year after violent disorder spread across a city, an expert has said.
On 5 August 2024, a peaceful protest was “hijacked” by angry gangs who hurled bricks and bottles at crowds and officers. After the incident, 27 people were arrested and 24 people convicted – with the total number of combined sentences reaching 36 years.
Acting Supt Tom Cunningham, from Devon and Cornwall Police, described it as the “worst ever” disorder he has seen in his 28 years of policing.
Meanwhile, Regis Ntavuka, from the Plymouth & Devon racial equality council, said things are getting worse once again as propaganda continues to spread.
Remembering 2024’s disorder, Mr Ntavuka said there was a “difference on the day”.
“[There was] a different energy, even just walking through town people were making sure I got home safe – even the bus drivers stopped me to offer a lift.
“It was a boiling point, it was always going to happen – it was just a case of when,” he said.
He is now pushing harder than ever to reconnect the community.
“We feel that it is more necessary than ever now,” he said.
Reflecting on the potential of more disruption, he added: “In terms of the overall picture, I think it’s getting worse.
“I don’t think we should look at it as these people doing the riots are mindless idiots because propaganda can affect anyone.
“The power of language and propaganda is incredible,” he said.
Supt Cunningham said last year’s disorder broke out after two groups that wanted to peacefully protest came together, but unfortunately the event was “hijacked”.
“We will happily facilitate peaceful protests – however what we will not tolerate is people pushing that into violent disorder as we saw in Plymouth last year,” he said.
Despite the disorder, he was “really proud” of the way his officers dealt with the incident.
“They had bottles, bricks and everything else thrown at them on the night, but they brought back order to that disorder,” he said.