British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would use the “full force of the law” against right-wing extremists who violently clashed with police in the northwest English town of Southport on Tuesday, July 30, following a vigil to commemorate the murder of three girls, Politico reports.
Police officer injured in riots in Southport. (Those: Nexta Tv via Twitter)Police arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the attack and said his motive was unclear, but they do not currently believe there was a terrorist background.
However, far-right groups have fuelled speculation and false rumours on social media, including that the killings were linked to Islamists and that the attacker was an asylum seeker. Police said the clash with police began on Tuesday when several hundred people began throwing objects at the mosque.
Right-wing extremists stir up sentiment
Police said the rioters, who threw objects at the mosque, set fire to police vehicles and attacked police officers with various objects and stones, were linked to the far-right English Defence League (EDL).
Thirty-nine police officers received medical treatment, 27 of them were taken to hospital, according to the North West Ambulance Service. Merseyside Police said more than 50 officers were injured in a “sustained and brutal attack”.
Stermer said on Twitter that protesters had “hijacked” a memorial dedicated to the victims of Monday’s horrific attack at a children’s dance and “insulted a grieving community.”
“They will feel the full force of the law,” the Prime Minister said.
According to Merseyside Police, the officers suffered fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion. Three police dogs were also injured.
Police officers were given more powers to arrest and search as legal measures were passed in the city to prevent a repeat of the riots.
“This is no way to treat the public, especially a public still reeling from the events of Monday,” Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said in a statement.
Taylor Swift fans raise money
Alice, Bebe and Elsie. (from left to right) (Source: private via police)Reuters reported that an online group of Taylor Swift fans has raised more than £250,000 to help the families of the victims and the hospital where some of the children were treated.
Merseyside Police said a 17-year-old youth from Banks in Lancashire, who was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, remains in custody.
On Monday, three girls who were taking part in a dance event died. The police confirmed the personal details of the three victims; they are Bebe King, six years old, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven years old, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine years old.
Police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack, which is not classified as “terrorist.”
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