'Stay Vigilant': India Issues Advisory For Citizens Visiting UK As Violent Riots Grip Nation

New Delhi: The High Commission of India in London on Tuesday issued an advisory to Indian citizens travelling to the United Kingdom to "stay vigilant and exercise caution" amid widespread protests across the nation  ignited by the recent stabbing of three girls last week in Southport, a town in northwest England.

The advisory stated, “Indian travellers would be aware of recent disturbances in some parts of the United Kingdom. The High Commission of India in London is closely monitoring the situation. Visitors from India are advised to stay vigilant and exercise due caution while travelling in the UK. It is advisable to follow local news and advisories issued by local security agencies, and to avoid areas where protests are underway.”

The advisory was issued as Britain has been rocked by a week of violence, with crowds chanting anti-immigrant and Islamophobic slogans clashing with police. The unrest, fueled by right-wing activists spreading misinformation about a knife attack that killed three schoolgirls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event, is among the worst the country has seen in years.

The turmoil has resulted in hundreds of arrests, with rioters facing promises from the government to experience “the full force of the law” for their actions, including hurling bricks and other projectiles at police, looting shops, and attacking hotels housing asylum-seekers.