Violent clashes have erupted in the southeastern coastal town of New Southport near Liverpool, England, following a deadly attack at a local school that left three students dead.
The riots began after a protest organized by several white extremist groups, who falsely claimed that a Syrian refugee carried out the attack. Despite no evidence to support this claim, protesters gathered outside a local mosque, vandalizing property, setting a police van on fire, and pelting the police and mosque with rocks.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the protest initially started peacefully as people grieved the loss of the three students. However, he noted that extremists hijacked the demonstration, leading to the violent escalation.
Specialized police units were deployed to control the rioters, resulting in several injuries. Prime Minister Starmer warned that those who disrupt public order will be “dealt with firmly,” emphasizing that no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands under the guise of protest.
The unrest followed a knife attack two days earlier at a school in Southport, where 10 people were injured and three female students lost their lives. A false social media post claiming the attacker was a Syrian refugee sparked outrage and prompted the right-wing extremist groups to organize the protest that turned violent.
Authorities are urging calm and have promised a thorough investigation into both the school attack and the subsequent riots. Local leaders are calling for unity and an end to the cycle of violence that has gripped the community.
