By Samuel Timothy
Chaos broke out Tuesday night outside a mosque in Southport, UK, following a knife attack that left three girls dead in the Merseyside town. A police van was set ablaze, and several officers were injured during the disorder.
A group of masked men in hoodies, chanting “English till I die,” clashed with officers, leading to violent confrontations. Police suspect the men are affiliated with the far-right English Defence League.
The unrest occurred after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper urged social media users not to spread “false information” about Monday’s attack or the suspect online. A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the stabbings at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event. His identity has not been confirmed due to his age, but police have stated he was born in the UK, with no indication he is Muslim.
Merseyside Police reported that a large group began throwing objects at the mosque on St Luke’s Road around 7:45 pm. Officers donned helmets and riot gear as bottles and wheelie bins were hurled at them. A police officer suffered a broken nose, while others sustained minor injuries. One police van was set on fire, prompting the deployment of additional patrols, including a dog unit.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss noted that many involved in the violence do not reside in Merseyside. He stated, “There has been much speculation about the status of the 17-year-old male in custody, and some individuals are using this to incite violence. Our officers should not have to face this. We will be there tonight to ensure the safety of the local community and will arrest those engaged in criminal behavior.”
As night fell, the situation outside the mosque appeared to calm, with the crowd dispersing.
Home Secretary Cooper condemned the attacks on police, calling it “appalling” that officers in Southport were facing assaults from “thugs on the streets who have no respect for a grieving community,” and labeled the violence “a total disgrace.”
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy praised her officers and staff for their efforts. “I am incredibly proud of my officers and staff who have worked so hard to save the lives of children, investigate the horrific incident, and provide reassurance to our communities, only to face this level of violence from these thugs.”
The knife attack occurred shortly before midday on Monday at a premises on Hart Street in Southport, where 11 children and two adults were stabbed. Three of the children, identified as six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, later died.
