Police and protesters clashed in several UK cities in the latest round of unrest sparked by far-right sentiments following a stabbing attack in northwest England. Dozens of individuals were arrested on Saturday as violent scenes unfolded, with reports of burning storefronts circulating on social media.
Since the tragic stabbing incident in Southport that claimed the lives of three children during a Taylor Swift-themed yoga class, tensions have been escalating across various UK cities. Far-right activists have been accused of spreading disinformation on social media platforms, including false claims that the attacker was an immigrant who entered the UK illegally.
UK authorities confirmed that the 17-year-old attacker, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, was born in Cardiff, Wales, and took the unusual step of publicly naming him despite his age.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened with senior cabinet ministers on Saturday to address the unrest. A Downing Street spokesperson emphasized the government's full support for the police in taking action against extremists engaging in violent acts and spreading hate in communities.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also condemned the violent acts by protesters, asserting that such behavior has no place in the country.
Protests erupted in cities like Manchester, Belfast, Liverpool, and others, with videos on social media showing anti-immigrant protesters in Liverpool chanting slogans like 'Stop the Boats.' In Manchester, protesters carried placards with messages such as 'Save our Kids,' while anti-racism campaigners staged a counter-protest.
Riot police were deployed in Belfast after clashes between far-right demonstrators and pro-Palestinian counter-protesters. The protests in Belfast brought together individuals from traditionally divided groups, Unionists and Nationalists, in a rare show of unity.
Stand-offs and clashes were reported in several cities, reflecting a broader anti-multiculturalism, anti-Muslim, and anti-Government agenda. Law enforcement agencies across the UK have increased resources to address the escalating tensions and maintain public safety.
Arrests were made in various cities, including Hull, Liverpool, Sunderland, Belfast, and Bristol, following the violent protests. Concerns of racial and religious targeting have been raised, with mosques urged to enhance security measures in response to recent incidents.
The 17-year-old suspect in the Southport stabbings appeared in court and was charged with multiple offenses, including murder and possession of a bladed article. Prime Minister Starmer has pledged to address the rise in far-right violence, collaborating with police chiefs to develop a national action plan.
