Four people have appeared in court having been charged following disorder across Lancashire on Saturday (August 3).

Officers arrested 22 people overall, with 20 of those being in Blackpool, one in Blackburn, and one in Preston.

Of those, 18 were bailed and four appeared in Preston Magistrates' Court today (August 5).

They are:

  • Tyla Chalmers-Millington, 18, of Langdale Road, Blackpool - Section 4 racially aggravated public order
  • Ben Smith, 32, of Dickson Road, Blackpool - Possession of an offensive weapon
  • Roger Haywood, 41, of Yew Tree Road, Blackpool - Assaulting an emergency worker
  • A 17-year-old boy, of no fixed abode - Possession of an offensive weapon in a public place

Deputy chief constable Sam Mackenzie, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “Four people have been charged, and a number of people have been arrested, however this is only the beginning of our enquiries. We have a dedicated team reviewing CCTV, and I expect there to be further arrests.

“These charges reflect just how seriously we are taking these offences. We will not tolerate this behaviour in our county, and we will identify you, find you and bring you to justice if you are committing these crimes.

“The scenes in Blackpool we saw on Saturday, by those intent on causing disorder, has nothing to do with legitimate protest or the tragic events of last Monday.

“The support we have had from local communities for our police officers has been greatly appreciated.

“We will always put the safety of the public first and are incredibly grateful for your support. Be assured we will continue to police in such a way that puts the needs of our communities at the heart of everything that we do.”