Riot police clashed with protesters in various cities across the UK as government officials are set to meet to address the possibility of more widespread unrest. The demonstrations, which began on Saturday, are a response to the tragic killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, Merseyside. The suspect, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, from Lancashire, has been accused of the attack. However, false rumors circulating online claimed that the suspect was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK by boat.
In Stoke-on-Trent, bricks were thrown at officers, while fireworks were hurled during tense interactions between an anti-Islamic group and an anti-racism rally in Belfast. In Hull, the windows of a hotel housing migrants were smashed. Demonstrators in Liverpool threw a chair at an officer, in addition to bricks, bottles, and a flare. Another officer on a motorbike was physically assaulted, and riot shields were targeted.
Authorities in Greater Manchester and Merseyside have granted additional powers to deal with the planned protests, including dispersal notices and enhanced stop and search capabilities. Scuffles occurred in Nottingham’s Market Square between opposing groups, with both sides throwing objects. Chants of “England ‘til I die” and “Tommy Robinson” were met with boos from counter-protesters. In Leeds, a smaller group carrying St George’s flags faced off against larger numbers of counter-protesters.
Cleveland Police refuted claims of an organizer’s arrest on terrorism charges ahead of a march in Middlesbrough. The weekend demonstrations followed violent incidents in Sunderland, including the burning of a Citizens Advice Bureau office. A priest in Sunderland condemned the violence, describing it as an act of sacrilege. Sunderland Central Labour MP Lewis Atkinson linked the unrest to the English Defence League (EDL) and its founder, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson.
Members of the far-right group EDL have been connected to unrest in London, Manchester, Southport, and Hartlepool. Two boys in Hartlepool were arrested for violent disorder. Despite the disbandment of the EDL, its supporters remain active, with indications of a Nazi offshoot group’s involvement in the violence. Northumbria Police reported injuries to officers during the Sunderland unrest and made several arrests.
The Muslim community expressed concerns over planned far-right protests, with extra prosecutors on standby to address any violent misconduct. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer denounced the troublemakers who caused disruptions in Southport, labeling them as “thugs.” This unrest poses a significant challenge for Sir Keir’s leadership, reminiscent of the public disorder during the 2011 riots following the death of Mark Duggan in Tottenham Hale. Hope Not Hate identified over 30 events planned, prompting authorities to prepare for potential unrest.
