In Southport, a seaside town in north-west England, a night of rioting led to the injury of at least 50 police officers. The unrest occurred after a vigil for three young girls who were victims of a mass stabbing earlier in the week.
The violence, which took place on Tuesday evening, has been partly attributed to the far-right English Defence League (EDL), with social media misinformation inflaming tensions. The situation escalated with arrests made primarily of individuals from outside the local area.
The rioting began after a peaceful vigil was held to honor the three girls, aged six, seven, and nine, who were killed in a stabbing incident on Monday. This attack was among the worst mass casualty events involving children in the UK for decades.
The ensuing violence saw rioters targeting police, damaging property, and setting vehicles and bins alight. Eight officers sustained serious injuries, including fractures and concussions, as they attempted to manage the chaotic situation.
Riots in Southport Injure 50 Police Officers Following Vigil for Stabbing Victims
The EDL supporters reportedly gathered outside a mosque, hurling projectiles at police and setting a police van on fire. The police response included support from neighboring forces due to the severity of the unrest. Merseyside Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss condemned the violence, highlighting the impact on a community already reeling from the loss of the young victims.
Amidst the chaos, misinformation spread online, including false claims about the attacker’s identity and background. This has been exacerbated by figures like Nigel Farage questioning the police’s handling of the situation.
A 17-year-old male from Lancashire, with connections to Cardiff and Rwanda, has been arrested in connection with the stabbings. The Home Secretary criticized the spread of misinformation, warning that it undermines crucial investigations and contributes to the violence.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited the scene, expressing his condolences and acknowledging the widespread impact of the tragedy. The stabbing has been described as the most severe attack on children in the UK since the 1996 Dunblane massacre. As the investigation continues, the motives behind the Southport attack remain unclear, and two adults who tried to protect the children are in critical condition.
