- “Thugs” exploited tragedy for political gain
- Violence injured dozens of police officers
- Rumors and misinformation incited the unrest
Thugs” who came to Southport to use the deaths of three children “for their political purposes” were to blame for the violence, which injured dozens of police officers, according to the town’s MP.
Unrest erupted in the Merseyside town hours after a ceremony to remember the victims of Monday’s knife attack on a dance school, which murdered three young girls.
Patrick Hurley described the “horrific” disturbance near a mosque, in which policemen were hit with bricks and a police van was set on fire.
According to Chris McGlade of the Merseyside Police Federation, around 50 officers were injured in a “sustained and vicious attack.”
According to Merseyside Police, the incident was likely caused by English Defence League fans.
Mr. Hurley stated that the “riot” was “led by people outside the town.”
He claimed that the “thugs who had gotten the train in” used the “deaths of three little kiddies for their political purposes.”
Mr McGlade stated that his injured colleagues were the same “courageous officers” who were attempting to cope with the “unimaginable tragedy” of Monday’s attack.
I utterly condemn the actions of these foolish and brutal thugs, and they will face the consequences, he added.
ACC Goss described the disruption as “sickening” because it occurred in a “devastated” community.
He stated that the police had seen serious violence and were “proud to have witnessed off-duty officers parade back on duty to support their colleagues who had displayed such courage while under constant and sustained attack.
He also praised Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, and North Wales officers for offering mutual aid and support.
He said the disorder encompassed many people who did not live in Merseyside or care about Merseyside residents.
Unfortunately, offenders have broken garden fences so that they can use the bricks to assault our police, as well as set fire to public vehicles and damage automobiles parked in the mosque car park, he stated.
This is not how to treat a community, especially one still hurting after Monday’s events.
Merseyside Police identified six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar as the three girls who died at a Taylor Swift-themed dance lesson at the Hart Space studio on Hart Street on Tuesday.
Around 18:00 BST, almost 1,000 people attended a calm vigil outside the Atkinson Gallery on Lord Street.
However, after rumors of a demonstration circulated throughout the day, a group began to gather near a mosque on St Luke’s Road, two streets from Hart Street, at around 19:45 and engaged in a standoff with police officers.
As the unrest worsened, the group attacked the mosque’s front, throwing bricks, bottles, pyrotechnics, and rocks. At the same time, officers defended themselves with protective gear and riot shields as wheelie bins and other objects were thrown at them.
A police vehicle was also set ablaze.
Ibrahim Hussein, chairman of Southport Mosque, claimed he went with colleagues to safeguard the facility and was brought to a safe location by police.
He explained that the mob had begun to burn the fences and throw flaming materials at the windows.
They damaged all of the windows and fences, and the yelling, screaming, and wrath was overpowering for us all.
According to the North West Ambulance Service, 27 policemen were transported to the hospital, with 12 treated and discharged on the scene.
Merseyside Police said those responsible for the violence were incited by social media posts that wrongly indicated an Islamist link to Monday’s stabbings.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had already warned of disinformation relating to the incident.
Following Monday’s incident, a 17-year-old boy was detained on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He has no known links to Islam.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss stated that there had been “much speculation and hypothesis” about the youngster and that “some individuals” were using it to “bring violence and disorder to our streets.”
We’ve already stated that the arrested person was born in the United Kingdom, so speculating serves little purpose now.
Mr. Hurley said it was “reprehensible” that police officers who had been attending injured victims on Monday were “being pelted with bricks by these thugs.”
He claimed they had “hijacked the grief” of the town and families.
He stated that these people are utterly disrespectful to the families of the deceased and injured, as well as the town.
A 24-hour Section 60 Order has been issued, granting police additional stop and search powers.
A Section 34 Order has also been issued, allowing police to direct those engaging in antisocial behavior or “likely to become involved in such behavior” away from the area.
Merseyside Police stated that more officers would remain in the area “to provide a visible presence and reassure communities.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated on X that the residents of Southport were “reeling” from the “horror inflicted on them yesterday.”
He stated that individuals who “hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery” had disrespected the community and would face the full power of the law.
Families living close said they were concerned for their safety as stones flew by and police officers rushed to put on riot gear and grab shields.
I can’t believe this is happening in Southport,” one young mother exclaimed from the front of her car as she attempted to take her small daughter away.
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The home secretary called it “appalling” that police officers in Southport were being attacked by thugs on the streets who had no regard for a mourning community.
She said everyone should show respect for the grieving community and the police officers who are currently conducting an urgent criminal investigation and who demonstrated such heroism and bravery yesterday.
Emily Spurrell, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner was likewise “absolutely appalled by the disgraceful scenes of violence.”
This is a community that has experienced terrible sorrow and is hurting, she said.
She went on to say that such behavior is reprehensible and leads to more pain and suffering.
