Tensions erupted outside a mosque in Southport on Tuesday evening, as a large crowd gathered, resulting in violent clashes with police.
The unrest followed a tragic stabbing incident on Monday, which left three children dead and several others injured during a Taylor Swift-themed dance event.
Police riot vans and officers were deployed to manage the situation, where chants of “No surrender!” and “English till I die!” echoed from sections of the crowd, believed to be supporters of the English Defence League, according to a statement by Merseyside Police.
The atmosphere turned chaotic as protesters began throwing stones, bottles, and other objects at officers, prompting police to don helmets and riot gear.
“At around 7.45pm (local time), a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defence League – began to throw items towards a local mosque on St Luke’s Road in Southport,” the force said.
“Officers who are deployed are currently dealing with criminal behaviour and violence with bottles and wheelie bins being thrown at them.”
An unruly crowd clash with police, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Southport, northwest England, near where three girls were stabbed to death in a dance class the day before. The violence erupted shortly after a peaceful vigil was attended by hundreds in the center of Southport to mourn the 13 victims of the stabbings, including seven still in critical condition. (Richard McCarthy/PA via AP)
A police van was set ablaze, sending plumes of black smoke into the air. A group of men, many of them wearing masks and hoodies, engaged in a running battle with officers outside the mosque as additional police arrived on the scene.
This is very very very ugly now pic.twitter.com/9wYwZf7Pc1
— Josh Halliday (@JoshHalliday) July 30, 2024
Reports indicated that some officers suffered minor injuries, including one with a suspected broken nose. Riot police responded with teargas and charged the crowd in an effort to regain control.
A police van, rear, burns as police line up after clashing with an unruly crowd, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Southport, northwest England, near where three girls were stabbed to death in a dance class the day before. The violence erupted shortly after a peaceful vigil was attended by hundreds in the center of Southport to mourn the 13 victims of the stabbings, including seven still in critical condition. (Pat Hurst/PA via AP)
As quoted by The Guardian, Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss condemned the violence, stating, “It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.”
He emphasised that many individuals involved in the unrest did not belong to the local community and were exploiting the situation for disorder.
The police continue to urge the public to refrain from spreading misinformation regarding the suspect in custody, who is a 17-year-old boy.
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