Police in Southport are getting ready for more violence after far-right protesters took advantage of the tragic murder of three schoolgirls to start riots, causing injuries to 50 officers. The far-right group used the stabbing incident at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class to incite hatred by spreading false information about the suspect on social media. The mother of one of the stabbing victims pleaded for the violence to stop, while calls were made for stricter actions against those spreading misleading information.
The police department in Merseyside sought support from other forces due to the possibility of more violence erupting. An anti-fascist campaign group, Hope Not Hate, raised concerns about far-right groups planning demonstrations in various parts of the country. In London, the Metropolitan Police put public order conditions in place for a protest scheduled for Wednesday evening.
There were suggestions that the English Defence League, which was linked to the violence, should be classified as a terrorist organization. Some even pointed fingers at Russia, accusing them of being behind the misinformation campaign. Despite the chaos that ensued after the stabbing incident, police clarified that the attack was not terror-related.
The violence that unfolded outside a mosque in Southport led to damage to police vehicles, public cars, and shops being looted. Many people, including children, were injured, and the community was left to deal with the aftermath of the riots. Members of the public and volunteers came together to clean up the area, with the council estimating the cost of the damage.
Various groups, including the Muslim Council of Britain, condemned the violence and called for government intervention to address the rise of violent far-right extremism targeting Muslim communities. Calls were made for tougher actions against those inciting violence and spreading false information in the wake of such tragedies.
Authorities are working on preventing further violence and ensuring that those responsible for the chaos face the consequences of their actions. The community in Southport, along with law enforcement, is striving to maintain peace and unity despite the challenges they face. The need for solidarity and support from the government to address the underlying issues that fuel such incidents is crucial to prevent future clashes.
