Police chiefs across England fear there will be widespread drunken disorder when pubs reopen on 4 July, and forces have started cancelling leave.
Police chiefs are said to be furious with the Prime Minister for reopening pubs on what has been dubbed super Saturday.
Forces fear this will lead to a “carnival” atmosphere as the lockdown is lifted on 4 July for the hospitality sector.
Across the UK thousands of pubs and bars are currently open for take away only drinks which has left council and police chiefs furious as the streets are littered with rubbish and residents are venting their anger of people urinating in the streets.
Wednesday evening saw riots in Brixton which left 22 police officers injured with two in hospital, and there is worry that summer will see violence erupt over pent up anger of being in lockdown.
John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales said, “I am concerned that we have a pressure cooker building up, a perfect storm. This could just be the beginning.
“t’s everything, people getting more and more frustrated at the lockdown, many young people do not think the pandemic is an issue for them.
“Now many companies are going to start laying people off, which financially is going to be a real challenge for people.
“Add to that what has happened overseas with George Floyd and we have seen protests spreading across the country.”
Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation said, “If the weather is as it is now when they reopen then we could be in for a real apocalyptic day.’
He added, “There is no place in society for disorder and wanting to cause violence and pain and grief towards public and police alike.”
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