There were clashes with police in Southport, Merseyside, on Tuesday night as violence broke out following the deaths of three young girls in a mass stabbing attack.
Officers suffered serious injuries after bricks, stones and bottles were thrown at them as cars and police vehicles were set ablaze after a vigil for the girls turned into a riot.
Merseyside Police said that “a large group of people,“ whom they ”believed to be supporters of the English Defence League,” started throwing missiles towards a mosque in the seaside town at around 7:45 p.m.
In a post on social media, the force said shops had been “broken into and looted,” adding that “those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Eight other youngsters suffered stab wounds and five are in critical condition, alongside two adults who were also critically injured.
A 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder.
The suspect, who was born in Cardiff, Wales to Rwandan parents, is from the village of Banks, outside Southport, and police have said that, although the motive for the attack is unclear, it is not believed to be terror-related.
On Wednesday, detectives were granted more time to question the suspect.
Elsie’s mother, Jenni Stancombe, wrote on Facebook: “This is the only thing that I will write, but please please stop the violence in Southport tonight. The police have been nothing but heroic these last 24 hours and they and we don’t need this.”
Some 27 officers were taken to hospital, with 12 others being treated and discharged at the scene, according to the North West Ambulance Service.
Merseyside Police said eight officers suffered serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said the officers injured in Tuesday’s protests will “now be unavailable for duty in what is an incredibly busy time for the force.”
Videos posted on social media showed people throwing wheelie bins and bricks at officers who held riot shields to push the crowds back.
Chairman of Merseyside Police Federation Chris McGlade said more than 50 officers had been hurt in a “sustained and vicious attack”.
The protests followed hundreds of people taking part in a peaceful vigil for the victims outside Southport’s Atkinson arts venue, with many in tears as they laid flowers and cards of remembrance.
Around the time of the vigil, a 32-year-old man from Standish was arrested on suspicion of possession of a flick knife in Eastbank Street.
‘Thugs on Streets’
Southport MP Patrick Hurley said on Wednesday that rioters must face the “full force of the law,” saying they were “utterly disrespecting the families of the dead and injured children”.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said rioters had “hijacked” a vigil for victims and will “feel the full force of the law.”
He posted on social media platform X: “The people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday. They deserve our support and our respect. Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the rioting as “violent attacks from thugs on the streets,” which she branded “appalling.”
She added: “It is a total disgrace. Frankly, this is a time when everyone should be showing respect for a community and for the police.”
In a statement on Tuesday evening, Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside. There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody, and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.
“We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time.”
