Unrest in Southport: Looting, arson, and arrests dominate headlines
Some people took advantage of the riots that erupted after the stabbing of three young girls in Southport, near Liverpool. British media report looted stores and thefts of alcohol, shoes, and cigarettes. Some establishments were also set on fire.
2:22 PM EDT, August 5, 2024
During the riots that erupted a week ago in Southport, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, who has Rwandan roots, was involved in the stabbing of three young girls. Over 400 people have already been arrested. The protests, which primarily attract far-right supporters, are anti-immigrant and anti-Islamic. This is a response to false reports that emerged right after the incident, alleging that the perpetrator was a Muslim asylum seeker.
Exploiting riots to loot stores
Over the past weekend, protests that mostly turned into street brawls took place in Liverpool, Bristol, Nottingham, Leeds, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool, Rotherham, Middlesbrough, Hull, Bolton, and Belfast.
British media report on breaking into stores and setting many garbage bins on fire.
"A shoe store was set on fire, and shocking photos show shoes scattered on the sidewalk. Humberside Police Chief Darren Wildbore said officers "faced egg and bottle throwing" as windows were smashed at a nearby hotel housing migrants," reports mirror.co.uk
"Riot participants stole wine, shoes, and phones. During the riots, some stores were set on fire," adds the independent.co.uk portal.
British Prime Minister promises response
- In the event of further unrest, such as those that have been sweeping through British cities for six days, an army of specialized police officers is on standby – stated Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday after a meeting of the government's crisis committee.
- We will have an army of specialized officers on standby to ensure we have enough to handle it - said Starmer. - Regardless of the alleged motivation, this is not a protest - it's pure violence and we will not tolerate attacks on mosques or our Muslim communities - he added.
He rejected the accusation made by the right-wing populist party Reform UK, that police and the justice system treat far-right protests more harshly while tolerating violence from the far left. - There is no two-tier policing. There is policing without fear or favor, exactly as it should be. Exactly as I would expect and demand. So there is no question - he argued.
