Police prepare for possible riots in Plymouth tonight

We've seen the shocking footage of the recent riots in London, Birmingham and Bristol, but now local police are having to turn attention to Plymouth. Nearly 1000 people have been invited to join a riot in Plymouth through a Facebook group called 'PLYMOUTH RIOT SAVE ARE ENGLAND FROM THE GOVERMENT!'. So far only 32 people have confirmed that they may be attending.

The group info says: "LETS TAKE BACK ARE ENGLAND WE CANNOT GET JOBS WE CANT GO COLLEGE WE CANT EVEN LIVE ANYMORE BECAUSE IT COST TO MUCH TO BUY FOOD! NOW LETS GET DOWN TO FIGHTING FOR PLYMOUTH. LONDON DID IT BIRMINGHAM ARE DOING BRISTOL HAVE NOW STARTED NOW ITS PLYMOUTH TURN SAVE ENGLAND!"

There have been hundreds of comments left on the group wall including:

"If you want to stick it to the government why not change to objective to 'Clearing up Union Street'. An impromptu midnight clean up from you volunteers would really show the council how it's done!"

"Just like they say on the news COPYCAT RIOTS sort your lives out!"

and: "I am completely against this, and anyone taking part. Have you not seen the destruction it has caused in London? As a mother I'll admit I am frightened of this happening to our wonderful city."

Superintendent David Sumner, Local Policing Area Commander for Plymouth also posted on group wall saying: "Encouraging others to take part in violence and disorder is really poor judgement, especially in the current climate.

"To do so is also a criminal act and we will be in touch to discuss this with you."

A number of anti Plymouth riot Facebook groups have been created this morning.

Devon and Cornwall Police are currently monitoring intelligence around disorder which has occurred in other parts of the country, and are making a number of preparations and plans in order to be ready for any such incidents in our area.

Chief Superintendent Steve Swani said: "It is only natural for communities across Devon and Cornwall to be concerned at a time when many are seeing large scale disorder in other parts of the country.

"We are already talking to community and business leaders as well as local authorities and other partners to ensure everyone is aware of a developing picture and is not unduly worried by what they may be seeing in national media reports.

"We will also be placing as many police officers on patrol across the force as possible to further reassure our communities."

Police are currently reviewing three football matches due to take place in the region this evening in Exeter, Plymouth and Torquay, and are likely to decide on the continuation of the games early this afternoon.

What are your thoughts? Do you know anyone that's been involved or affected by any of the riots? Are the police doing enough to combat the problems?