Watford politicians, faith leaders and emergency services bosses have all pledged they “will not be divided” in the wake of the riots up and down the county.

Leggatts councillor Asif Khan organised a meeting with community figures at the North Watford Jamia Mosque yesterday (August 8) following unfounded rumours that far-right protests were planned in the town on Wednesday evening (August 7).

Watford MP Matt Turmaine, Mayor Peter Taylor, Herts Chief Constable Charlie Hall, and Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman all spoke at the gathering, before the floor was opened to a Q&A where attendees quizzed the speakers on subjects like the role of social media in the recent riots. Cllr Asif Khan pledged that Watford will not be divided by hate or fear. (Image: Cllr Asif Khan)

Chief Constable Hall gave an update on the current threat levels, while Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman outlined the current measures and future plans to maintain the town's security.

MP Matt Turmaine also discussed the government's response and highlighted the availability of funds to secure places of worship.

Attendees also included representatives of different faiths around town, including the Watford Jamia Masjid, Watford Synagogue, Christ Church, Holy Rood Catholic Church, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Harikrishna Temple and the chair of the Hertfordshire Interfaith Forum.

Councillor Asif Khan said: “I think we've shown that our community stands united. We won't be divided by hate or fear.

"Together we are strong and together we will continue to build a Watford and Hertfordshire that is safe, inclusive and supportive for everyone."

Inside the meeting at the North Watford Mosque.Inside the meeting at the North Watford Mosque. (Image: Cllr Asif Khan) He praised police and the Watford Community Safety Partnership, who he said had acted with “great professionalism” to allay residents’ fears in “very difficult circumstances”.  

Cllr Khan felt the unrest had brought “real anguish” to ethnic minority communities who were forced to change their day-to-day habits as a result, but he added: “On the positive, the vast majority of Watfordians and Brits were very aghast to what was going on and were very supportive.

“I think that spirit that we have shown as a town is key. When one group faces animosity or a threat, everybody comes together to protect them.”

Various community leaders spoke at the meeting.Various community leaders spoke at the meeting. (Image: Cllr Asif Khan) In a post online, Watford Mayor Peter Taylor said: “It was good to join Hertfordshire Police, faith and community leaders and local councillors today. 

“We discussed how we can work together to make sure Watford remains a united and safe town for everyone.”

Rumours had circulated online about a possible far-right protest in north Watford on Wednesday evening, leading Hertfordshire Police to release a statement saying additional resources would be on patrol despite no confirmed evidence of any Herts protests.

Following the meeting, Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “The scenes of violence and thuggery seen in other areas of the country have been truly shocking and have caused fear and anxiety for many people living locally.  

"There has been no such disorder in Hertfordshire and I would like to thank the people of Hertfordshire for their positivity and efforts to keep our communities united."