The vigil held by the far-right group for the victims of a knife attack on a children’s dance and yoga class in Southport, UK, turned violent, during which a mosque was attacked and several police officers were injured, creating a chaotic scene late Tuesday night.
The unrest erupted as several hundred protesters, mostly men, began targeting a local mosque. They set fire to vehicles and wheelie bins and vandalized a nearby shop. The crowd's aggression included throwing bottles and bricks at the police, who linked the rioters to the English Defence League, a group known for its confrontations with Islamic communities.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the rioters, asserting that they would 'feel the full force of the law' for setting police vehicles alight and hurling missiles at officers. The Prime Minister criticized the protesters for 'hijacking the vigil with violence and thuggery' and for 'insulting the community as it grieves.'"
The situation quickly deteriorated as the rioters barricaded streets, using debris and discarded items as projectiles against law enforcement.
Police reported that 22 officers were injured during the violence, with eight suffering serious injuries such as fractures, lacerations, and concussions. Three police dogs also sustained injuries from the chaos.
As the conflict intensified, officers from neighbouring regions, including north Wales, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Cheshire, were deployed to assist. A 24-hour Section 60 order was imposed, granting police enhanced stop-and-search powers, while a Section 34 dispersal order allowed them to seize items used in anti-social behaviour and direct people to leave the area.
The violence began shortly after a vigil was held in Southport’s town centre. The vigil was a sombre occasion where residents gathered to mourn the victims of a knife attack that had claimed the lives of three young girls and left eight children, five in critical condition, along with two adults critically injured. The attack had shocked the community and led to a wave of misinformation spreading on social media, further fuelling tensions.
The far-right protesters, who had gathered under the pretence of expressing outrage, quickly turned their anger towards the local mosque. As darkness fell, the protest turned into a full-blown riot. Protesters threw bricks through mosque windows, damaged property, and set fires in the streets. Police struggled to regain control, with some officers being forced to use teargas to disperse the increasingly violent crowds.
Southport's MP condemned the attacks on emergency services, emphasizing the importance of supporting those affected by the initial tragic attack. The Muslim Council of Britain described the riots as a shocking display of Islamophobia, driven by false rumours on the internet. They called for unity against the forces of hatred and division, stressing that the events did not represent the values of a diverse Britain.
In response to the unrest, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized the rioters for their disrespect towards a grieving community and for their violent actions against police officers who were attempting to maintain order. The Home Secretary's remarks highlighted the broader issue of online misinformation and its potential to incite real-world violence.
The situation in Southport underscored the challenges faced by communities dealing with the fallout from both violent attacks and the subsequent spread of hate and misinformation. As the town grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families while ensuring that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.
Southport’s community, which initially came together to honour the victims, now faces the task of healing from the violence that marred their efforts. The presence of law enforcement remains high as the town works to restore peace and prevent further escalation of tensions.