Riots engulf Britain
Violent disorder swept across several British cities on Saturday, injuring police and damaging property in the most widespread rioting in the country in 13 years, following the murder of three young girls in northwest England.
Riots involving hundreds of anti-immigration protesters have erupted in towns and cities after false information spread rapidly on social media that the suspect in Monday's knife attack at a children's dance class in Southport was a radical Muslim migrant.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing his first big test since his election a month ago, has condemned the "far-right" for the wave of violence and backed police to take strong action. He discussed the disorder with senior ministers on Saturday, his office said.
Police have said the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, 17, was born in Britain but protests by anti-immigration and anti-Muslim demonstrators have continued, descending into violence, arson and looting.
Across Britain, police have arrested dozens of individuals for offences ranging from violent disorder to burglary and criminal damage.
Extra police have been deployed across cities, while mosques across the country have been advised to strengthen security following an attack on a mosque in Southport on Tuesday.
Damage
Violent disorder erupted in Liverpool, Bristol, Hull and Belfast – four cities located in different corners of the UK – with scuffles breaking out and bricks and bottles thrown as anti-immigration protesters faced groups opposed to racism.
Many police officers suffered injuries as they tried to keep several hundred rival protesters – largely young men who were chanting slogans – from clashing.
"I have no reason why they attacked us," said Rahmi Akyol, standing outside the shattered glass doors of his cafe in Belfast, which he said was attacked by dozens of people with bottles and chairs.
"I've lived here 35 years. My kids, my wife are from here. I don't know what to say, it's terrible," he said.
- Reuters
Riots involving hundreds of anti-immigration protesters have erupted in towns and cities after false information spread rapidly on social media that the suspect in Monday's knife attack at a children's dance class in Southport was a radical Muslim migrant.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing his first big test since his election a month ago, has condemned the "far-right" for the wave of violence and backed police to take strong action. He discussed the disorder with senior ministers on Saturday, his office said.
Police have said the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, 17, was born in Britain but protests by anti-immigration and anti-Muslim demonstrators have continued, descending into violence, arson and looting.
Across Britain, police have arrested dozens of individuals for offences ranging from violent disorder to burglary and criminal damage.
Extra police have been deployed across cities, while mosques across the country have been advised to strengthen security following an attack on a mosque in Southport on Tuesday.
Damage
Violent disorder erupted in Liverpool, Bristol, Hull and Belfast – four cities located in different corners of the UK – with scuffles breaking out and bricks and bottles thrown as anti-immigration protesters faced groups opposed to racism.
Many police officers suffered injuries as they tried to keep several hundred rival protesters – largely young men who were chanting slogans – from clashing.
"I have no reason why they attacked us," said Rahmi Akyol, standing outside the shattered glass doors of his cafe in Belfast, which he said was attacked by dozens of people with bottles and chairs.
"I've lived here 35 years. My kids, my wife are from here. I don't know what to say, it's terrible," he said.
- Reuters
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