POLICE patrols have been stepped up and contingency plans made in case the riots that have spread across London since the weekend make their way to Cambridgeshire.

POLICE patrols have been stepped up and contingency plans made in case the riots that have spread across London since the weekend make their way to Cambridgeshire.

Cambridgeshire police sent 25 officers to London on Monday night to help the Metropolitan Police deal with violence and disorder in the capital, during which hundreds of people were arrested in Hackney, Camden, Ealing, Croydon, Lewisham, Peckham, Woolwich and Clapham.

And police have moved to reassure residents of Cambridgeshire that plans have already been made to cope with the unrest should it move north.

Deputy chief constable John Feavyour said: “The force is monitoring the situation in London and other parts of the country. At this time there is no information to suggest there is any threat to Cambridgeshire but we have contingency plans in place.

“Our message is clear: there is no threat to the people of Cambridgeshire or local businesses and people should carry on with business as usual.”

“We understand there may be concerns and feelings of vulnerability within a number of communities and are working closely with our partners and community leaders to address those concerns.

“Patrols in the county have been increased as a precaution.”

The violence in London started on Saturday (August 6) following a peaceful protest in Tottenham after the fatal shooting of father-of-four Mark Duggan on Thursday.

Mr Feavyour said: “Violence, disorder and any other criminality will not be tolerated in Cambridgeshire and we will deal swiftly and robustly with anyone who uses the emerging issues in London as an excuse to break the law in this county.”