China warns citizens of riots in UK

China is warning its citizens to take extra care of their safety when visiting the UK, following far-right riots in the country.

Chinese citizens and tourists should avoid traveling to the affected locations, according to the advice of the Chinese diplomatic mission in London. They should also closely monitor the security situation.

Rioting has been going on in several English cities for over a week, with far-right activists attacking police and targeting Muslims and asylum seekers.

Tensions have been fuelled by rumours and misinformation spreading on social media about the identity of the Southport knife attacker.
A 17-year-old is believed to have stabbed three girls and injured other children and adults in the north-west English city on July 29.

Police denied a false report that the perpetrator was a Muslim migrant, saying the suspect was born in the UK to Rwandan parents.

China is not the first country to warn its citizens to be careful when visiting the UK. The Indian High Commissioner in London warned that visitors should remain vigilant and “exercise due caution.”

Australia advised to “avoid areas where protests are taking place due to the risk of disruption and violence”.

Malaysia, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates have also issued warnings, while Nigeria’s foreign ministry stressed that there was “an increased risk of violence and disorder.”

Germany has not changed its travel and security advice for the UK as a result of the riots.