Ottawa is urging Canadians to take precautions when travelling to the United Kingdom in light of ongoing riots and altercations between protestors and police over the past week.
“Past violent clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in assaults, riots, looting and vandalism,” says the advisory updated in the early hours of Aug. 7.
“Protests can deteriorate quickly. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.”
The government is advising Canadians to avoid areas where demonstrations, protests, and large gatherings are taking place, to expect an “increased security force presence,” and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
The advisory also suggests monitoring local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
The UK is experiencing its seventh day of unrest, ignited by the stabbing rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, England, that claimed the lives of three young girls and left eight other children injured.
Rioters and anti-immigration protesters have attacked two Holiday Inn Expresses housing asylum seekers and targeted mosques while other towns have seen large masonry, bricks and fireworks tossed at police officers.
The protestors are now clashing with Muslim groups, as gangs in Stoke and Birmingham react to the riots by arming themselves with knives and machetes and attacking pubs and cars.
Like Canada, many of the countries are advising their residents to remain vigilant and avoid areas of unrest.
