Violence after deadly attack on dancing children in England - 53 police injured
Clashes occurred following a vigil in the center of Southport, where hundreds of people paid tribute to the victims of Monday's stabbing with a minute of silence. Three girls aged six, seven, and nine were killed, according to police. A 17-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after the incident.
Around 100 rioters then clashed with the police and set fires. The rioters are believed to be supporters of the far-right English Defence League who traveled from outside the area.
A reporter for AFP reported seeing thick smoke. Some rioters set vehicles on fire, threw bricks at a mosque, and damaged a grocery store, according to police.
Police later reported that 53 officers were injured, with at least eight seriously injured. Four suspects were arrested. Earlier, emergency services reported 39 injured police officers.
Southport's regional police chief, Kennedy, said her officers were well-prepared and had sufficient resources. However, the number of rioters increased rapidly on Tuesday evening, causing the situation to escalate quickly.
Residents of Southport are concerned about potential further unrest. Police will continue to be supported by other regional units to prevent a recurrence of last night's situation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Tuesday's violence as an "insult" to the mourning community and vowed to punish those responsible. On the online platform X, he said, "Those who exploited the vigil for the victims of violence and brutality have insulted the community in its grief. They will feel the full force of the law."
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the "shameful scenes." She found it "shocking" that the police, who are conducting an urgent criminal investigation following the stabbing, have become a "target of violence."
After the attack on Monday afternoon during a children's dance class to music by US pop star Taylor Swift, two girls aged six and seven initially died. A nine-year-old later died from her injuries. Eight other children and two adults who came to their aid were also injured.
Police arrested a 17-year-old from Cardiff, Wales, who lives in the town of Banks near Southport. According to BBC, the suspect's family is from Rwanda. The motive for the teenager's stabbing of the children remains unclear.
There was intense debate on online networks about the 17-year-old's nationality, religion, and the timing of his arrival in the UK. Controversial British influencer Andrew Tate, who is accused of rape, claimed on X that the attacker was an "illegal migrant."
Police blamed online speculation for the outbreak of violence. Many of those involved in the clashes do not live in the Merseyside region, according to Deputy Chief Constable Alex Goss.
The Muslim Council of Britain, meanwhile, said the Islamophobic reaction began with misinformation spread by a Russian news site.
The rioters who clashed with the police and caused destruction in Southport were identified as supporters of the English Defence League. The police reported that 53 officers were injured during the violent clashes, with at least eight of them seriously injured.
