Violent clashes erupted outside a mosque in Southport between far-right protesters and police following a tragic knife attack that claimed the lives of three children. The incident left 22 officers injured as tensions ran high in the community.
The chaos unfolded as groups of men were seen chanting and hurling bricks at riot police, with a police van engulfed in flames in the background. The scene was chaotic, with masked individuals scavenging for more bricks to throw at officers, while fires were ignited in the streets and in bins. The air was thick with black smoke as police struggled to maintain order.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the violence, calling it a “total disgrace” and expressing her dismay at the lack of respect shown towards the grieving community by the unruly mob. The tragic deaths of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, Bebe King, and Elsie Dot Stancombe at a holiday club earlier in the week had already shaken the town to its core.
In response to the violent protests, hundreds of residents gathered for a peaceful vigil outside the Atkinson arts venue to honor the memory of the victims. Tears were shed as flowers and cards were laid in remembrance of the young lives lost. However, the somber atmosphere was shattered by a separate protest outside a mosque, where far-right demonstrators clashed with police, leading to further unrest.
Merseyside Police reported that a large group of individuals, believed to be supporters of the English Defence League, began throwing objects towards the mosque, prompting a swift and forceful response from law enforcement. During the clashes, 22 officers sustained injuries, with eight suffering serious wounds including fractures, lacerations, and concussions. Even police dogs were not spared from the violence.
Despite the challenges they faced, Chief Constable Kennedy expressed pride in the efforts of the police force, who had worked tirelessly to save lives, investigate the incident, and maintain order in the community. The focus, he emphasized, should be on supporting the families of the victims and those still fighting for their lives in hospitals.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss condemned the disorder that unfolded in a community already reeling from tragedy. He stressed the importance of unity and cooperation in the face of such senseless violence, urging residents to come together and support one another during such difficult times. The actions of a few should not overshadow the resilience and compassion of the community as a whole.
