At least 39 police officers have been injured in clashes outside a mosque in Southport, as angry crowds of suspected English Defence League supporters threw bricks and set off fireworks.
The unrest followed a peaceful vigil for the victims of Monday’s shocking attack in which multiple children were stabbed – three fatally – in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
A police van was set on fire on Tuesday night while men in balaclavas were pushed back by officers, with 27 officers requiring hospital treatment.
Earlier, Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody, and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.”
The three young girls killed in Monday’s tragic knife attack have been named as Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.
Eight other children suffered stab wounds and at least two are still in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were critically injured.
Armed police detained 17-year-old boy from Banks and seized a knife in connection with the stabbings, which is not suspected to be terror-related.
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Parent of girl at attack calls for end to the violence on the streets
A parent whose daughter was at the dance class when the attack happened has called for an end to the riots.
Posting on X from the account HightownJFL, they wrote: “No matter what your political views are, they are not the problem. Please, for the sake of the poor victims and their families, STOP THE VIOLENCE.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain31 July 2024 07:38
Window cleaner describes coming face to face with Southport knife attacker
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Window cleaner describes coming face to face with Southport knife attacker
A witness to the Southport stabbing attack has recalled the moment he came face-to-face with a knifeman before the alleged attacker “scurried off”. Window cleaner Joel Verite detailed how he “locked eyes” with the 17-year-old suspect in an interview with Sky News today (30 July). “I just wanted to hurt him so bad, but at the same time I was scared,” Mr Verite said. Three girls who were killed in the deadly attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club on Monday 29 July have now been named by police.
Holly Evans31 July 2024 07:00
‘No words can describe the devastation’: Families pay tribute to three girls killed in Southport knife attack
Police named the victims as Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who were pronounced dead shortly after Monday’s rampage, while Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, died from her injuries in hospital on Tuesday.
Five more children are fighting for their lives following the tragedy, along with two dance class teachers who bravely tried to defend their pupils from the attack.
Read the full article here:
Holly Evans31 July 2024 06:00
Footage shows person pacing outside house raided by armed police after Southport stabbings
Doorbell camera video appears to show the individual, dressed in a green hoody and face mask, circling the front door of a property just a 15 minute drive from Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop, where three children were fatally stabbed and five other youngsters critically injured.
ITV, who obtained the footage, reported locals saw police raid the same house around two hours later.
Read the full article here:
Holly Evans31 July 2024 05:00
Starmer: Rioters will feel full force of law
Sir Keir Starmer said rioters in Southport on Tuesday evening had “hijacked” a vigil for victims and would “feel the full force of the law”.
Writing on X, Sir Keir said: “The people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday.
“They deserve our support and our respect. Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves.”
Home secretary Yvette Cooper described the rioting outside a mosque in Southport as “violent attacks from thugs on the streets”, which she branded “appalling”.
Ms Cooper told broadcasters that she saw a community “coming together” during her visit to Southport on Tuesday, and thanked police for their “heroism”.
She added: “That is why it is so appalling to now see those same police facing violent attacks from thugs on the streets who have no respect for a grieving community.
“It is a total disgrace. Frankly, this is a time when everyone should be showing respect for a community and for the police.”
Namita Singh31 July 2024 04:41
At least 39 police officers injured in Southport
The number of police officers injured in last night’s Southport riots has risen to 39, according to emergency services.
The unrest began after a peaceful vigil for the victims of Monday’s knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in the Merseyside seaside town.
Merseyside Police said “a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defence League” – began to throw items towards a local mosque at around 7.45pm, before clashes erupted with police.
Prime minister Keir Starmer said the rioters in Southport on Tuesday evening had “hijacked” a vigil for victims and would “feel the full force of the law”.
North West Ambulance Service said in an update on Twitter that 37 officers were hurt during the violent disorder, of whom 27 were taken to hospital while 12 were treated and discharged at the scene.
The ambulance service said its personnel finally stood down from the major incident at 1.25am.
Namita Singh31 July 2024 04:27
The shocking events at Southport brought a wave of familiar dread – here’s what I want the families to know
Holly Evans31 July 2024 03:00
Police riot vans and officers attend Southport stabbing scene as large crowds gather near mosque
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Police riot vans and officers attend Southport stabbing scene as large crowds gather
A large crowd gathered outside a mosque in Southport on Tuesday evening (30 July) as tensions ran high in the town following the knife attack that killed three children. Police riot vans and officers with riot shields were seen standing guard outside the building, amid chants of “No surrender!” and “English till I die!” from sections of the crowd. Firecrackers could be heard going off along with sirens sounding. A crowd, many wearing masks and hoodies, were in a running battle with officers outside the mosque before some clashed with police. Debris were seen on the ground around the vans while officers used their shields to deflect missiles thrown from the crowds.
Holly Evans31 July 2024 02:00
Rioters will face full force of the law, says Starmer
Violence against police in Southport after three girls were killed in a knife attack has been condemned, as Sir Keir Starmer said rioters would “feel the full force of the law”.
The prime minister said rioters in Southport on Tuesday evening had “hijacked” a vigil for victims and would “feel the full force of the law”.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Sir Keir said: “The people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday.
“They deserve our support and our respect. Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves.”
Joe Middleton31 July 2024 01:24
Major incident declared as 22 police officers treated by ambulance service
The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has declared a major incident after 22 police officers have been treated for injuries and 11 of those officers have been taken to hospital.
In a series of tweets, NWAS said: “This evening we have been responding to the disturbance on St Luke’s Road in Southport, following a protest. A high number of resources, including 10 ambulances, on-call doctors, and our hazardous area response team (HART) attended the scene.
“We have treated 22 police officers and so far, 11 of those have been taken to hospital. Due to the high number of resources required at scene and the ongoing disturbance, NWAS declared a major incident at approximately 23:00. Follow @MerseyPolice for the latest updates.”
Joe Middleton31 July 2024 01:21