Far-right protesters clashed with British police near a mosque in Southport, England, following the tragic stabbing of three young girls. The incident occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed event at a dance school, resulting in the death of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged 6, 7, and 9 respectively. Eight other children sustained stab wounds, with five in critical condition, along with two critically injured adults.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, stating that the protesters had disrupted a peaceful vigil and would face legal consequences. The clashes erupted after unconfirmed reports about the teenage suspect's identity circulated on social media, leading to unrest.
Protesters, believed to be linked to the far-right English Defence League, engaged in violent acts, including attacking the mosque, setting vehicles on fire, and injuring numerous police officers. The North West Ambulance Service treated 39 injured officers, with 27 requiring hospitalization.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss expressed dismay over the situation, emphasizing that the suspect was a UK-born individual from Banks, near Southport. He highlighted that the violence was fueled by misinformation and urged against speculation.
The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the exploitation of the tragedy to incite Islamophobia, calling for action against rising far-right extremism. The government was urged to address Islamophobia and provide support to affected communities.
Prime Minister Starmer and officials visited the attack site to pay respects to the victims and acknowledge the emergency responders. Taylor Swift, whose music was central to the event, expressed shock over the incident.
The community mourns the loss of the young girls and stands united against violence and hatred in the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
