Residents across Tower Hamlets have been advised they should expect to see an increased police presence in the area. 

The Metropolitan Police has issued the notice to people across the borough that a heightened number of officers will be on hand ahead of potential protests this evening (August 7). 

More than 1,300 Met officers have been put on standby as a precautionary measure in light of several rumoured protests across the city. 

Rioting has broken out across the country following the deaths of three children at a dance class in Southport on July 29. 

Police have been arriving in nearby borough Waltham Forest ahead of potential riotsPolice have been arriving in nearby borough Waltham Forest ahead of potential riots (Image: @goldie_sub (X)) Rumours of potential riots have now made it to London, with more than 100 people already arrested in central London alone. 

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Community Liaison Sgt Kieran Cottinghatt, who leads on community engagement for Tower Hamlets, said: “We’ve been listening to local communities about recent events up and down the country and we hear and share their concerns around the violent disorder we’re all seeing.   

“We are here to reassure people that Tower Hamlets has a strong policing plan in place to deal with any outbreak of disorder on our streets and to encourage people to share any concerns they have with us.”  

Waltham Forest, in particular Walthamstow, has also seen an increased police presence this afternoon, with shops boarding their windows. 

RELATED: LIVE updates as riots possible in multiple London areas this evening

The Met has confirmed rioters could face terrorism charges if arrested in connection with the riots. 

Mark Rowley, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said: "We'll throw the full force of the law at offenders, whether that's charging people with assaults, violent disorder, riot and, if terrorism offences are appropriate, I know the Director of Public Prosecutions has said he's prepared to consider that.

"And whether you're in this country committing crimes on the streets, or committing crimes from further afield online, we will come after you."