- Bloodshed in England - 39 police injured
Serious Right-Wing Riots After Fatal Stabbing in English Southport Injure 39 Police Officers
Following the fatal stabbing in the English town of Southport, serious right-wing riots have left 39 police officers injured. 27 of them required hospital treatment, as reported by the regional emergency services on X. The officers sustained injuries including bone fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose, and a concussion, according to police statements. Due to the unrest on Tuesday evening, police in the area were granted extended powers for 24 hours to stop and search individuals.
The attackers, who had gathered for a vigil for the stabbing victims, threw bricks at both police officers and the local mosque, and looted a business, according to police. They also set cars and trash cans on fire. Police believe the rioters were predominantly members of a far-right group not native to the area.
City in Shock
"This is not how to treat a community, especially one still recovering from Monday's events," said Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Alex Goss.
On Monday, three girls aged six, seven, and nine were killed in a stabbing incident. Eight other children and two adults were injured, some seriously. The children were attending a Taylor Swift-themed summer camp. The singer, who was not involved, expressed her shock on Instagram. A 17-year-old is the prime suspect, but the motive remains unclear. Police do not believe it was a terror attack.
Rumors about the suspect's origin fueled tensions
Police attribute the unrest to misinformation and rumors about the suspect's origin. "We've already stated that the individual was born in the UK, and speculation isn't helping anyone," investigators emphasized. The suspect, who has lived in the area for over a decade, was born to Rwandan parents in Cardiff, Wales.
The British government condemned the far-right group's rioting. "Those who hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and brutality have insulted the grieving community," Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted on X. "They will face the full force of the law."
Before visiting the scene of the stabbing, Starmer met with emergency services and thanked them for their help. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was also present, stressing that the new Starmer government will take tough action against the widespread knife crime in the UK.
In response to the misinformation and rumors, the police urged the public to disregard speculations about the suspect's origin, as these contributions were not helping the situation. Due to the escalating situation, the local emergency services requested additional reinforcements to manage the crisis effectively.
