UK Mob Attacks Mosque, Clashes with Police After Stabbing of 3 Kids

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : AP

Southport, England, was rocked by large-scale violence on Tuesday evening, following a vigil for three young girls tragically killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop. The peaceful gathering to honor the victims was overshadowed by a violent outburst from far-right protesters.

The three girls—six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar—were killed in the attack at the Hart Space studio on Hart Street. The stabbing, which occurred on Monday, prompted an outpouring of grief and solidarity from over 1,000 attendees at the vigil.

However, the memorial was marred by violence as far-right groups, reportedly affiliated with the English Defence League, clashed with police and attacked a local mosque. The unrest was fueled by social media rumors linking the 17-year-old suspect, who has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, to Islam. Authorities have since clarified that the suspect has no known connections to Islam.

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The situation deteriorated as the group of protesters, incited by these unfounded rumors, gathered near the mosque. They escalated their aggression by throwing bricks, bottles, fireworks, and rocks at the building and police officers. The chaos saw a police vehicle set ablaze and led to 39 Merseyside Police officers being injured, with 27 requiring hospital treatment. Among the injured officers, eight suffered serious injuries including fractures and lacerations, while three police dogs were also hurt.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the violence as "attacks from thugs," while Southport MP Patrick Hurley denounced the rioters as "thugs" exploiting the tragedy for political gain. Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss described the violence as "sickening" and urged the public to provide any information or video footage to aid in identifying the perpetrators.

The Home Secretary also highlighted the dangers of disinformation linked to the attack, and the Muslim Council of Britain condemned the "shocking scenes of far-right rioters" as an Islamophobic backlash.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed that those involved in the riots would face "the full force of the law" and criticized them for hijacking the vigil for the victims with their violence. The Home Secretary characterized the attacks on police officers as "appalling" and a "total disgrace."

In response to the unrest, authorities implemented a 24-hour Section 60 Order, granting police additional stop-and-search powers, and a Section 34 Order to direct individuals engaging in antisocial behavior away from the area. Extra officers have been deployed to maintain order and reassure the community.

The violence has left Southport in turmoil, with residents expressing fear for their safety amidst the chaos. The incident has prompted widespread condemnation and calls for unity against forces of hatred and division.

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