- Fear of further riots in Britain
Following a second consecutive night of riots in Southport due to the bloody incident, fear is growing in the UK about further violent protests from far-right extremists. Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to consult with key police chiefs. During this meeting, the Labour politician will praise the courage of the officers and give them his backing to crack down on "mindless violence", according to news agency PA from government sources.
A 17-year-old boy is suspected of stabbing three girls, aged six, seven, and nine, to death and injuring eight more children and two adults, some seriously, on Monday. Two children have since been discharged from hospital.
The teenager was taken to Liverpool Magistrates' Court under heavy security. In a brief hearing, the court decided to send the case to the higher Crown Court due to the severity of the charges. He is expected to appear there later today.
Police statements are not believed
According to police, the suspect, who is charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder, was born in the UK. The BBC reports that the boy's parents are from Rwanda. His name cannot be revealed as he is a minor.
Despite the police statement, a false narrative spread on social media that the suspect is an illegally immigrated Muslim migrant, which is believed to have sparked the riots.
Over 100 arrests in London
On Wednesday evening, clashes between ultra-nationalists and police took place near the government seat in Downing Street. Protesters threw fireworks at the iron fence blocking the street. More than 100 people were arrested. Chants of "Rule Britannia" and "We want our country back" were heard.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the riots as "wholly unacceptable". "There is no place for criminality on our streets, and I fully support the Metropolitan Police's action against those seeking violence, causing disorder and spreading division in our city," he wrote on X.
In Hartlepool, rioters attacked officers, and a police car was set alight. Eight people were arrested there. Local MP Jonathan Brash expressed shock, saying, "Shop windows were smashed, cars were set on fire. This behaviour does not represent the people of Hartlepool."
In Manchester, police dispersed several dozen people near a hotel used as asylum accommodation. There had already been violent riots near a mosque in Southport on Tuesday evening. Special powers allowing police to stop and search anyone have been extended in the area.
In light of the false rumors spread on social media about the Southport incident, causing tensions and resulting in riots, residents of Southport are expressing concern about potential escalations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet with key police chiefs in Southport to discuss the situation and offer support.
