Violent Protests Continue Across Britain
London, 2024-08-11 – Violent protests erupted across Britain following the death of three girls in a knife attack at a dance party in Southport last week. The chaos has escalated, with reports of arson and clashes with police in 17 cities. Right-wing protesters have specifically targeted law enforcement.
Recent incidents include:
Petrol bombs thrown at police vehicles in Plymouth, Burnley, Birmingham, and Belfast.
Rioters targeting vehicles in Belfast, with police forced to deploy close to a supermarket after their vehicle was set ablaze.
* Youth gangs throwing stones at police Land Rovers.
In response, police have sealed off major streets in affected areas and advised the public to avoid specific neighborhoods. Over 400 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest.
The violence coincides with the aftermath of the Southport attack, where false rumors spread online identifying the perpetrator as a Muslim asylum seeker. This misinformation fueled anti-Muslim sentiment, leading to targeted attacks. While the actual suspect, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, is British, protests continue with a focus on immigration and Islamophobia.
Prime Minister Starmer condemned the “ruthless violence” of the far-right and assured measures are being taken to ensure public safety during the ongoing protests.