Far-right demonstrators clashed with police in London near Downing Street and a statue of Winston Churchill on Wednesday evening. The protest was part of the “Enough is Enough” demonstration following the tragic knife attack and riots in Southport. Over 100 people were arrested during the event, with chants of “Rule Britannia” and “we want our country back” heard.
In Southport, Merseyside Police made a fifth arrest after violent disorder on Tuesday night. A mob threw bricks and bottles outside a mosque, leading to chaos. It was reported that false claims about the suspect had fueled the disorder in the area. The suspect, a 17-year-old, has been charged with the murders of the Southport stabbing victims and will appear in court soon.
One mosque chairman described the terrifying experience of being trapped inside the building while violence erupted outside. Police officers suffered serious injuries during the disorder, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer denouncing the rioters for hijacking a vigil for the stabbing victims.
In London, violent protests broke out for a second evening, with far-right protesters clashing with police near the Cenotaph. Riot police detained several violent protesters as the crowd threw flares and bottles, targeting iconic landmarks. The spread of lies and disinformation around the Southport knife attack suspect fueled unrest across London and Hartlepool.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss expressed disappointment in the rioters, stating they had no regard for the families affected by the tragedy. The community came together to clean up the streets and rebuild after the violence. Over 100 people were arrested in Whitehall during the protest, with some officers suffering minor injuries.
In Hartlepool, a police vehicle was set on fire as disorder continued in the town center. Four people were arrested after protesters threw glass bottles and eggs at police. Chief Superintendent David Sutherland urged the public to stay away from the area to ensure safety.
The violent clashes and protests in various cities highlight the tensions and divisions within communities. It is essential to address the root causes of such unrest and work towards unity and peace among all members of society.
