LONDON (AP) — Protesters clashed with police near British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Downing Street residence in central London on Monday after three girls were killed in northwest England this week.
The violence came a day after far-right protesters clashed with police outside a mosque in the north-west English town, where girls were stabbed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class taking place during the summer holidays.
Police arrested several people after they were pelted with bottles and cans and formed a new cordon outside Downing Street.
Protesters chanted “you are not English anymore” at the police, as well as making Islamophobic remarks.
A police helicopter flew over the area.
More than 50 officers were injured, including more than two dozen who were taken to hospitals, authorities said.
On Tuesday, a mob of several hundred people threw bricks and bottles at riot police in Southport, set fire to rubbish bins and vehicles, and looted a shop, hours after a peaceful vigil for the murdered girls aged 6, 7 and 9.
Consternation
“I am absolutely appalled and sickened by the level of violence shown towards my officers,” said Merseyside Police Chief Serena Kennedy. “Some of the first responders who responded to that horrific scene on Monday … have since had to deal with these levels of violence.”
Four men have already been arrested in connection with the Southport riots, mainly for public disorder; one was arrested for possession of a knife and affray.
Serena Kennedy said more arrests were expected.
Starmer condemned the “vandalism” and said the mob had “taken advantage” of the community’s grief.
The protesters, who police said were supporters of the far-right English Defence League, were apparently fuelled by false internet rumours about the 17-year-old who was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
The suspect remained in custody yesterday and a magistrate gave detectives more time to question him before he is charged or released without charge, police said.
Police can detain a suspect for up to two days and request an extension of up to four days.
He also said a name of the suspect circulating on social media — spread by far-right activists and dubious accounts purporting to be news organisations — was incorrect and that he was born in Britain, contrary to online claims that he was an asylum seeker.
The names of suspects under the age of 18 are not usually made public in Britain.
Just yesterday, residents in Southport were sweeping up broken bricks, shards of glass and burnt plastic after far-right protesters clashed with police outside a mosque in the town where three girls were stabbed to death.
The ambulance service said it treated 39 injured police officers, of whom 27 were taken to hospital.
Norman Wallis, general manager of Southport Pleasureland amusement park, is one of dozens of people who turned out with shovels and brooms to clear away debris.
Wounded Disorders
More than 35 people have been injured in riots in north-west England.
Police
Thirty-nine police officers were injured in violent disorder in Southport, north-west England, on Monday evening, at the end of a vigil following the stabbing deaths of three girls.
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2024-08-11 05:07:29
