By Violent scenes have erupted outside a mosque in Southport as tensions run high following a recent knife attack in the town. A large crowd has gathered, leading to confrontations with police and resulting in injuries to officers and damage to property.
Southport riot police have been deployed to the area, with vans and officers standing guard outside the mosque. The situation has rapidly escalated, with eyewitnesses reporting numerous acts of violence and vandalism. People in the crowd can be heard shouting slogans such as “No surrender” and “English till I die,” indicating the presence of nationalist sentiments among the protesters.
Our Sky News team on the ground has captured footage of bricks being thrown at police vans and other projectiles flying through the air. In a particularly concerning development, a group of individuals attempted to tip over a riot van, showcasing the intensity of the confrontation.
The violence has not been limited to property damage. Several police officers have suffered what appear to be minor injuries in the chaotic scenes. One officer was seen with blood on her face, highlighting the dangerous nature of the situation. The crowd, described as consisting of hundreds of youths and men, many wearing masks and hoodies, has engaged in running battles with the officers outside the Southport mosque.
In addition to bricks and bottles, firecrackers have been set off, adding to the chaos. The sound of multiple police sirens and a helicopter overhead creates an atmosphere of tension and urgency. In a serious escalation, a police van appears to have been set on fire, with large flames billowing around the vehicle.
The riots seem to be fueled, at least in part, by misinformation spread in the aftermath of the knife attack. False accusations have been circulating online, including incorrect names of the 17-year-old suspect who has been arrested. While Merseyside Police have stated that the unnamed suspect is from Wales, unfounded claims that he was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK by boat have spread on social media platforms.
Earlier today, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper addressed the issue, stating that social media companies “need to take some responsibility” for the speculation. Downing Street has also urged the public to avoid “unhelpful” speculation about the attack, expressing concerns that misreporting online could inflame community tensions.
The situation remains volatile, with a large police presence attempting to contain the violence and protect the mosque and surrounding areas. As night falls, there are concerns that the unrest could spread to other parts of the town.
Local authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid the area around Hart Street, where the original knife attack took place and which is now the epicenter of the riots. Community leaders are calling for calm and asking people not to be swayed by unverified information circulating on social media.
