A horrific incident occurred in the seaside town of Southport in Merseyside, where three girls were stabbed to death and several others were injured during a dance class. The attacker, a 17-year-old boy, was arrested, leading to shock and grief in the community. False information circulating on social media about the attacker being an immigrant led to further chaos, with a vigil for the victims turning into a violent attack on a local mosque and looting of shops. Far-right activists used the tragedy as an opportunity to spread division, according to research director Joe Mulhall. The town is struggling to cope with the disorder following the initial horror of the attack. The Guardian’s Josh Halliday was present in Southport to witness the events unfolding. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of spreading false information on social media and the impact it can have on communities. The authorities are working to restore peace and bring those responsible for the violence to justice. People are urged to support independent journalism in order to keep the truth accessible and fight against misinformation.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
Podcast News: The Far Right’s Hijacking of Southport’s Tragedy and Grief
