A HAMPSHIRE police boss has said officers will ‘take a robust stance’ against those who commit crimes, in response to violent riots across the country.

Hampshire Constabulary’s assistant chief constable (ACC) Paul Bartolomeo said police ‘will take action against those who commit criminal offences, using all investigative tactics available to us’.

His words come after Prime Minister Keir Starmer held an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday, August 5, with ministers and representatives from law enforcement. 

READ MORE: Five men arrested in connection with Aldershot hotel protest

He announced a number of agreed actions, including having a ‘standing army’ of specialist officers to deal with incidents where needed.

ACC Bartolomeo said officers are continuing to speak to communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to “ensure we have officers where they need to be”, adding that the force is “consistently reviewing our patrol plans to reassure residents and deal with any incidents of disorder”.

He added: “This is all part of our local policing model, where we are able to respond quickly to the needs of our communities.”

The assistant chief constable said Hampshire Constabulary's role is to “protect people’s lawful right to protest, while also preventing serious disorder and disruption to the local community”.

Mr Starmer has said the disorder across the country “is not protest, it is violence”.

The riots follow a stabbing attack in Southport last week in which three children attending a dance class were killed.

SEE ALSO: Top police chief under fire for saying protestors are 'upholding British values'

Police from Hampshire Constabulary responded to an incident on Wednesday, July 31 outside the Potters International Hotel in Aldershot when five men were arrested, believed to have been involved in a violent protest.

ACC Bartolomeo said its specialist teams who dealt with the incident are “very experienced in policing protests and managing that balance”, and took “swift and decisive action when a small number of people began committing criminal offences”.

He added: “It is totally unacceptable to turn that lawful right into criminal acts and this will not be tolerated in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

“As we have shown over the last 48 hours, we will take action against those who commit criminal offences, using all investigative tactics available to us.

“Everyone has the right to free speech and peaceful protest. However, officers will take a robust stance against those who choose to act outside of the law.”

Basingstoke’s MP Luke Murphy said in a post on X: “Britain is a proud and tolerant country. Criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks go against everything our country stands for. No one should feel scared when praying or be targeted for the colour of their skin.”

Leader of Basingstoke Labour Group, Cllr Alex Lee, also responded to the disorder on X saying: “You wonder why you’re demonised when running around displaying this mindless thuggery. This isn’t protest, this is a crime!”