Protesters hold placards during a ‘Enough is Enough’ demonstration called by far-right activists near a hotel housing asylum seekers in Aldershot on August 4, 2024 [Credit: AFP]
The UK government issued a stern warning on Sunday, stating that violent disorder would “not be tolerated” after police arrested dozens of individuals at far-right rallies where clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement.
The unrest, sparked by disinformation about a mass stabbing that claimed the lives of three young girls last week, spread to several towns and cities on Saturday as anti-immigration demonstrators confronted counter-protesters.
Approximately 90 arrests were made after skirmishes broke out across various English cities, including Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Blackpool, Hull, and Belfast in Northern Ireland.
In some cases, rioters hurled bricks, bottles, and flares at police, resulting in injuries to several officers. Looting, arson, and anti-Islamic slurs were also reported. Policing Minister Diana Johnson told BBC News that the violence would “not be tolerated” and warned that there would be “penalties and consequences” for those involved in the disorder.
The clashes marked the fourth consecutive day of unrest following Monday’s frenzied knife attack in Southport, near Liverpool, on England’s northwest coast.
The violence was fueled by false rumors circulating on social media about the background of British-born 17-year-old suspect Axel Rudakubana, who has been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder related to the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party. Rudakubana is accused of killing Bebe King, six, Elsie Stancombe, seven, and Alice Aguiar, nine, and injuring ten others.
Police attributed the violence to supporters and associated groups of the English Defence League, an anti-Islam organization linked to football hooliganism.
Agitators have also targeted mosques in Southport and Sunderland, prompting hundreds of Islamic centers to increase security amid concerns for worshippers’ safety.
The violence represents the most significant challenge yet for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s nascent administration. Starmer, who assumed office last month after leading Labour to a landslide victory over the Conservatives, condemned the “thugs” for “hijacking” the nation’s grief to “sow hatred” and vowed that those involved in violent acts would “face the full force of the law.”
Following discussions with senior ministers on Saturday, Starmer “reiterated that the government backs the police to take all necessary action to keep our streets safe,” according to a statement from his office.
Police have cautioned that further demonstrations are expected on Sunday.
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