Disorder erupted on Tuesday night outside a mosque in Southport, UK, following a tragic knife attack that claimed the lives of three young girls in the Merseyside town.
In the wake of the incident, a police van was set ablaze and several officers suffered injuries during the ensuing chaos. A group of masked men in hoodies confronted the police, chanting “English till I die,” leading to violent clashes. Authorities suspect the group may have ties to the far-right movement.
The unrest was sparked by a plea from the Home Secretary urging social media users to refrain from disseminating “false information” regarding the knife attack that occurred at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event on Monday. A 17-year-old boy has been taken into custody in connection with the stabbings but has not yet been identified due to his age. Authorities have stated that he was born in the UK, and there is no indication that he is Muslim.
Merseyside Police reported that a large crowd began throwing objects at the mosque on St Luke’s Road around 7:45 PM. Officers donned helmets and riot gear as the violence escalated, with bottles and wheelie bins being hurled at them. One officer sustained a broken nose, while others suffered minor injuries; the police van was also set on fire.
Additional police patrols, including a dog unit, were deployed to restore order. Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss pointed out that many individuals involved in the violence do not reside in Merseyside and show no concern for the local community. He emphasized that speculation surrounding the arrested 17-year-old only fuels disorder and undermines community safety.
As the night progressed, the situation outside the mosque appeared to calm, with the crowd dispersing. The Home Secretary condemned the attacks on police officers, labeling the violence against those serving a grieving community as “appalling” and “a total disgrace.”
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy praised her officers for their dedication in responding to the distressing incident and providing reassurance to the community, while also conveying dismay at the aggression they faced during the unrest.
The police had initially responded to reports of stabbings at a location on Hart Street in Southport just before midday on Monday. In this horrific event, three of the children, aged six, seven, and nine, tragically lost their lives. Their names have been released as Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.
