“Following the arrests made in Carlisle yesterday by Cumbria Police in relation to potential public disorder, I want to reassure Cumbrian residents – especially those who are feeling unsafe and that they may be targeted by far-right thugs – that the Police are here to protect and serve you.
“There is absolutely no place here in Cumbria for hatred and those who are inciting violence and disorder do not represent the UK or Cumbria.
“Our Police are trained to deal with this type of criminal behaviour and are acting swiftly to ensure that those who are planning or actively causing public disorder face the consequences of their actions. I visited Carlisle Police Station yesterday and I was impressed by the quiet professionalism and readiness of the staff I saw getting ready to police what could have been violent disorder.
“I want to thank Cumbria Police for their proactive work in Carlisle yesterday to ensure that those inciting hatred online were dealt with and keeping the public safe.
“I would urge anyone that has experienced hate to contact the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency – no one should ever live in fear.”