Keir Starmer has promised that those responsible for the violent riots in Southport will face the full force of the law after police vehicles were set on fire and officers were attacked. The riots followed a far-right protest that targeted a mosque and turned violent after a knife attack left three children dead.
22 officers were injured during the night of violence, with some sustaining serious injuries. Police dogs were also injured, with two being hit by bricks and one suffering burns. Police introduced enhanced stop and search powers and a dispersal order in response to the violence.
The protest was supposed to start at 8pm but turned violent even before then. Rioters attacked a mosque, set cars on fire, and threw bricks at officers. False information about the attacker was spread on social media, leading to further tension in the community.
Hundreds gathered for a peaceful vigil outside the Atkinson arts venue, but the vigil was followed by violent protests. Some protesters shouted Islamophobic slogans and clashed with police, resulting in injuries. Southport’s MP condemned the attacks on emergency services and thanked the community for coming together to support those affected by the tragic events.
Police had to call in reinforcements from neighboring forces to bring the situation under control. The violence has shocked the community, with residents and passersby expressing disbelief at the chaos. The authorities are appealing for information or video footage to identify and arrest those responsible for the violence.
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