Right-wing riots in Southport
A 17-year-old stabs three girls to death in a dance class in the British town of Southport, leaving the community in shock. After a vigil, visiting far-right extremists clashed with police in the streets.
The clashes between far-right extremists following the fatal stabbing in the English town of Southport left 39 police officers injured. 27 of them had to be treated in hospital, according to the regional ambulance service. The officers suffered injuries including broken bones, cuts, a suspected broken nose, and a concussion. Due to the unrest on Tuesday evening, police in the area were granted extended powers to stop and search people for 24 hours.
The attackers, who had gathered for a vigil for the victims of the stabbing, threw bricks at both officers and the local mosque, and looted a shop, according to police. They also set cars and bins on fire. Police said the rioters were mainly members of a far-right group not from the local area. "This is not how you treat a community, especially one that is still grieving from Monday's events," said Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Alex Goss.
On Monday, three girls aged six, seven, and nine were stabbed to death while attending a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport. Eight other children and two adults were injured, some seriously. A 17-year-old boy is the prime suspect, and all his victims were female. The motive remains unclear, and police do not believe it was a terrorist act.
The unrest is believed to have been sparked by false information and rumors about the suspect's background. The teenager, who was born to Rwandan parents in the Welsh capital Cardiff, has lived in the area for over 10 years, according to police.
The European Union expressed its condolences to the affected community in Southport, following the tragic incident at the dance class. The local authorities, aware of the European Union's concern, assured strict vigilance to maintain peace and order in the town.
