- Over 90 arrests after the UK riots
Serious Riots by ultranationalists in several British cities have resulted in over 90 arrests by police. The anti-Muslim disturbances have been ongoing for days now. The primary cause is misinformation on social media about the identity of a knife attacker who, on Monday, stabbed three girls to death and seriously injured several children and two adults in the northwest English town of Southport.
Heavy Damage
Multiple officers were injured, shops looted, and cars set ablaze, according to police reports. In Liverpool, a library serving the less fortunate sustained significant fire damage. Protesters attempted to hinder firefighting efforts. The Merseyside Police made 23 arrests.
In the northwest English town of Blackpool, clashes occurred between ultranationalists and counter-protesters. In Blackpool, Preston, and Blackburn, the Lancashire Police made 20 arrests. In Bristol, west England, there were 14 arrests, and in Kingston upon Hull, northeast England, there were 20. Authorities braced for further unrest.
A known far-right figure called for the protests. Critics also blame right-wing populist MP Nigel Farage, who significantly drove the Brexit campaign, for fueling speculation about the Southport bloodshed and inciting unrest.
Police have clarified that the 17-year-old suspect, currently in custody, was born in the UK. His parents are from Rwanda. The motive remains unclear.
The riots have led to an increase in crime, with numerous arrests and property damages reported. The violent protests in Liverpool resulted in significant fire damage to a library serving the less fortunate.
