New wave of riots: Sunderland violence linked to Southport attack
3 August 2024 08:11
A torched police station and car, three injured police officers, and - so far - eight people arrested: these are the outcomes of the riots that erupted on Friday evening in Sunderland, in the north-east of England. The cause was Monday's murder of three girls in Southport near Liverpool.
England is witnessing a wave of riots linked to the attack by a 17-year-old knifeman on the girls. The clashes are due to his Rwandan heritage.
Riots occurred in Southport on Tuesday and in London and Hartlepool in the north-eastern part of the country on Wednesday. From late Friday afternoon, it was also tumultuous and dangerous in Sunderland.
Hooligans incite riots. "They were heading to the mosque"
Due to fears that far-right supporters and hooligans may continue inciting riots this weekend, police across the country are on heightened alert. In particular, mosques are receiving increased protection, largely due to initial false reports that the Southport attacker was an illegal immigrant and a Muslim.
The Friday riots in Sunderland began near the local mosque. The participants threw stones, cans, and other objects at the police officers guarding the mosque. When the officers attempted to disperse the crowd, clashes broke out.
During the riots, a police station was attacked and torched, and demonstrators also overturned and set fire to a car.
Riots in Sunderland. Residents and passengers terrified
Due to ongoing skirmishes in the city, train and bus services were suspended. Tens of videos recorded by the hooligans, journalists, and condemning residents are being uploaded to the internet.
The police reported that eight people have been arrested so far and that three officers have been hospitalised due to their injuries. One officer has already been discharged.
Knifeman attack in Southport. Third child dies
On Tuesday morning, the third child - a victim of the knifeman who attacked on Monday in Southport, UK, died. Five children aged 6 to 11 remain in critical condition.
The attack occurred on Monday in north-western England. A witness reported seeing bloodied children running out of the community centre where dance and yoga classes for groups aged six to 11 were taking place.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, described the attack as "horrific and deeply shocking".
