Humberside Police officers criticise Hull riot operation

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall said the force had followed national guidelines on the day of the riots to set up a command structure with a dedicated “gold commander”.

He said: “Our planning and response was decisive and robust, with 25 arrests made on the day and many more that followed.

“Ahead of the day, multiple planning meetings and briefings were held based on the known intelligence, with a comprehensive operational plan in place.

“We are extremely proud to have a workforce of this calibre, all of whom are dedicated to serving their public.”

He also said the Police Federation had been consulted on logistical and well-being issues to ensure staff were given the right support.

Last week, the interim Humberside Police Chief Constable, Judi Heaton, was questioned by the Home Affairs Select Committee about the force’s response to the disorder.

She told MPs her force had initially taken a “low-key approach” to policing on the day but added she had “never seen anything like it” when violence and looting broke out.

Ms Heaton told the committee her senior team “were around” during the weekend and was “not aware” of injured officers being taken to hospital in personal vehicles.

Officers also told the BBC “lots of complaints” about staff welfare had been made following the riots. The Humberside Police Federation said complaints raised to them had been “fed back to the force immediately”.