- Riot police clashed with protesters outside a Southport mosque after a deadly stabbing attack
- The protest, believed to be organized by English Defence League supporters, turned violent with objects thrown at police
- Police officers sustained injuries, including a suspected broken nose, and police vehicles were damaged and set on fire
- The protest followed a vigil held earlier in the day for the victims of the stabbing attack
- Merseyside Police have condemned the violence and disorder and appealed for information
In the wake of a tragic stabbing incident that claimed the lives of three children in Southport, a protest erupted outside a local mosque, leading to violent clashes with riot police. The protest, believed to be organized by supporters of the English Defence League, began around 7:45 pm on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
According to Merseyside Police, a large group of protesters started throwing bottles, wheelie bins, and other objects towards the mosque on St Luke’s Road. In response, riot police were deployed to the scene, leading to scuffles and confrontations.
Police Officers Sustain Injuries, Vehicles Damaged
The protest turned violent, with police officers sustaining injuries and police vehicles being damaged and set on fire. One officer is believed to have suffered a suspected broken nose, while several police vans were attacked and set ablaze.
Merseyside Police described the scenes as “sickening” and stated that the actions of the protesters would involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside. The police also emphasized that speculation about the status of the 17-year-old male suspect in custody was being used by some individuals to bring violence and disorder to the streets.
Vigil Held Earlier for Stabbing Victims
Earlier in the day, thousands of people had gathered in Southport for a vigil to pay their respects to the victims of the stabbing attack. The vigil was held for Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine; and Bebe King, six, who were killed in the attack. Seven other children were also injured in the incident.
The vigil was described as a show of unity and support for the victims’ families and the wider Southport community. However, the peaceful gathering was followed by the violent protest outside the mosque, which police are now investigating.
Police Appeal for Information, Condemn Violence
Merseyside Police have appealed for anyone with information about the protest or the stabbing incident to come forward. They have also condemned the violence and disorder, stating that the actions of the protesters will not be tolerated.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said, “It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives. Our officers should not have to face this, but we will be there tonight to ensure the safety of the local community who have suffered enough, and will arrest those involved in criminal behavior.”
FAQs
Q. What happened in Southport?
A. A deadly stabbing attack claimed the lives of three children and injured seven others in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Later, a protest outside a local mosque turned violent, leading to clashes with riot police.
Q. Who was involved in the protest?
A. The protest is believed to have been organized by supporters of the English Defence League. A large group of protesters started throwing objects towards the mosque, leading to confrontations with riot police.
Q. What were the consequences of the protest?
A. The protest turned violent, with police officers sustaining injuries and police vehicles being damaged and set on fire. One officer is believed to have suffered a suspected broken nose.
Q. How did the police respond?
A. Riot police were deployed to the scene to control the situation. Merseyside Police have condemned the violence and disorder and appealed for information from the public.
Q. What was the motive behind the protest?
A. The protest appears to have been a reaction to the deadly stabbing attack. However, Merseyside Police stated that speculation about the status of the suspect was being used by some individuals to bring violence and disorder to the streets.
