Britain’s sweltering heatwave risks sparking riots and emergency services meltdown, Government fears
BRITAIN’S sweltering heatwave risks sparking riots, the Government fears.
A leaked document also warns of an emergency services meltdown with the most 999 calls ever made.
Millions of workers are expected to shun offices and factories tomorrow and Tuesday, with kids dodging school amid a Met Office red “danger to life” warning.
Notes from a meeting held on Thursday by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities — and shared with No 10 — show officials are looking out for “increases in serious violence”.
The Extreme Weather Response Coordinating Group notes: “Public Disorder risk — established plans are in place and monitored, increases in serious violence to be monitored.”
It says emergency calls are expected to top even New Year chaos.
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Cops have already been urged by police and crime commissioners to be ready for increases in vandalism, shoplifting, fights, theft and anti- social behaviour.
Festus Akinbusoye, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, said: “I think this summer will pose challenges because it is the first proper summer in three years out of any sort of lockdown.
“If it continues to be this hot, that’s another challenge.”
Steve Turner, PCC for Cleveland, said: “You’ve got people outside, you’ve got barbecues, street parties, people consuming more alcohol, spilling outside pubs and clubs.
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“You are naturally going to see a crime spike and the hotter the weather gets the worse it is.”
Yesterday ministers met for an emergency Cobra meeting, with Cabinet Office Minister Kit Malthouse warning of “significant disruption” to transport.
He added: “Obviously the transport providers are messaging people that they should only travel if they really need to on Monday and Tuesday.
“Services are going to be significantly affected. The heat will affect rails, for example, so the trains have to run slower.
“If they don’t have to travel, this may be a moment to work from home.”
He added that steps were being taken to ensure hospitals and ambulances were prepared, while schools were being issued with guidance to enable them to remain open.
Roads were already melting, with one hit near Stansted airport in Essex. Councils are preparing to use gritters to spread stone dust to soak up excess tar.
Meanwhile Greater Manchester Police warned of the risks of wildfires after several were started deliberately.
And Jim Wilmott, from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Not only does it destroy precious moorland, but it also puts local wildlife and people at danger, causing huge disruption.
“And it means our resources are often unable to attend other serious incidents.”
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Yesterday sunlovers flocked to the seaside including beaches in Margate, Kent, and Bournemouth, Dorset, as temperatures hit 27C.
Outdoor pools across the country were packed, including Peterborough Lido, Cambs.
Weather warning
NAZANEEN Ghaffar, Talk TV weather presenter, said: “You have to be extra careful and these warnings are there for a reason.
“It’s the same as if we were expecting a cold snap or flooding.
“Monday and Tuesday will be the peak days for the heat.
“There are amber and red warnings from the Met Office across England and Wales.
“We live in a country which is not built to handle that kind of heat.
“When we go on holiday to where temperatures are this high there is air conditioning and structures to deal with it but our homes are built with insulation to keep us warm in winter.
“Roads could melt, railways might buckle, and there could be wildfires happening because this summer has been extra dry so far as well.
“The advice is to keep out of the heat in the middle of the day and just be sensible. Keep well hydrated and stay in the shade.
“During the day it is a good idea to close the curtains or cover the windows.
“When it gets cooler at night then open the windows to try and get the cool air in.”