“Thugs” were responsible for the violence that injured 39 police officers in Southport, according to the town’s MP. The unrest occurred after a vigil for the victims of a knife attack at a dance school, where three young girls were killed. Police reported being attacked with bricks, a police van set on fire, and eight officers seriously injured. The violence, near a mosque, was described as “horrific” by MP Patrick Hurley.
Mr. Hurley told BBC’s Radio 4 Today that the “riot” was caused by people from outside the town. Police believe supporters of the English Defence League were involved. Mr. Hurley condemned the “thugs” who came to Southport, saying they used the deaths of three little girls for political purposes. On Tuesday, Merseyside Police named the three girls killed at the Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop as Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice Dasilva Aguiar (9).
A peaceful vigil was held at 18:00 BST outside the Atkinson gallery in Lord Street, attended by over 1,000 people. However, rumors of a planned demonstration near a mosque on St Luke’s Road circulated online. At 19:45, demonstrators gathered and clashed with police, escalating into violence. Officers used riot shields to defend against bricks, wheelie bins, and other objects. A police vehicle was set on fire.
Mr. Hurley said it was “reprehensible” that police officers who had attended to injured victims were now being attacked with bricks by these “thugs.” He accused them of “hijacking the grief” of the town and families, disrespecting the grieving community. In total, 27 officers were taken to the hospital, with 12 treated and discharged at the scene, according to the ambulance service.
A 24-hour Section 60 Order was issued, giving police extra stop-and-search powers. A Section 34 Order was also introduced, allowing police to direct people engaged in antisocial behavior away from the area. Merseyside Police said extra officers would remain in the area for visibility and community reassurance. Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss described the violence as “sickening” in a devastated community.
ACC Goss praised officers’ bravery and thanked neighboring police forces for their support. He noted the disorder involved many people who do not live in Merseyside. The suspects damaged public property, including setting cars on fire. ACC Goss emphasized that this behavior was unacceptable, especially in a grieving community.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after Monday’s attack. ACC Goss warned against speculation and misinformation about the suspect, who was born in the UK. PM Sir Keir Starmer condemned those who hijacked the vigil with violence, saying they insulted the community and would face legal consequences.
Residents expressed fear for their safety during the violence, with stones flying and police rushing to put on riot gear. One young woman, trying to drive her daughter away, shouted, “I can’t believe this is happening in Southport.” The unrest started after hundreds gathered near a mosque, attacking it with bricks, bottles, and fireworks.
Merseyside Police said social media posts falsely suggested an Islamist link to Monday’s stabbings, fueling the violence. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned about disinformation and said the suspect had no known links to Islam. Ms. Cooper condemned the attacks on police officers by “thugs” who showed no respect for a grieving community. She called for respect for the grieving community and the police conducting the criminal investigation.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell expressed her disgust at the violence, calling it abhorrent and harmful. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy noted that over 1,000 Southport residents attended the vigil to remember the victims and support those affected by the tragedy, emphasizing that this should be the focus.
This account includes insights from BBC, which detailed the events and reactions in Southport following the tragic attack and subsequent unrest.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cv2gyv882nvo