Police forces in England are being called upon to increase their presence outside of mosques and asylum seeker accommodation due to the planned far-right rallies across the country. The violent demonstrations have been spreading from Southport to London, Hartlepool, Manchester, and Aldershot following a tragic incident at a children’s holiday club.
Community leaders are expressing concerns about potential further unrest after mosques and asylum seeker housing have been targeted by intimidating groups. The riots originated from widespread misinformation online about the suspect involved in the Southport murders. The suspect, identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents. Despite being under 18, a judge allowed his name to be reported to prevent the spread of false information.
Rudakubana is scheduled to appear in court in October for the murder of three children and the attempted murder of ten others. The attacks on mosques in Southport and Hartlepool, as well as on asylum seeker accommodations in Manchester and Aldershot, were fueled by unfounded rumors about the suspect’s religion and motives.
Mosque Security, a company that provides protection advice to faith leaders, has received numerous inquiries from mosques seeking assistance in light of the escalating tensions. More than 100 mosques have reached out for support, with concerns about safety prompting some to cancel events.
Far-right rallies are being organized in various towns and cities across England under slogans like “enough is enough” and “protect our kids.” Counter-demonstrations are also planned in response to anti-immigration sentiments growing amidst the unrest. Online groups promoting hate and misinformation have seen a surge in membership, prompting calls for increased police protection for mosques.
Iman Atta, the director of Tell Mama, an organization tracking Islamophobia, emphasized the need for police to enhance patrols around mosques and asylum seeker housing to reassure the communities. While additional police presence during far-right activities this weekend may help, addressing the underlying issues fueling the riots is crucial.
The recent unrest has been described as mindless thuggery by Mark Webster, the chief constable of Cleveland police. He highlighted the need to proactively address the violence and emphasized that there is no excuse for such behavior. As tensions continue to rise, it is essential for authorities to prioritize community safety and prevent further escalation of violence.
