Violent riots erupt in England, Sunderland following Southport tragedy
9:57 AM EDT, August 3, 2024
A police station and a car were set on fire, three police officers were injured, and so far, eight people have been arrested as the result of the riots that broke out Friday evening in Sunderland, in northeastern England. The unrest was sparked by the murder of three girls in Southport, near Liverpool, on Monday.
England is experiencing a wave of riots linked to the attack by a 17-year-old wielding a knife. The attacker's Rwandan heritage has fueled the clashes.
Riots occurred in Southport on Tuesday, followed by London and Hartlepool in the northeast on Wednesday. By late Friday afternoon, unrest spread to Sunderland.
Hooligans incite brawls. "They were heading to the mosque"
Due to concerns that far-right supporters and hooligans might continue to incite brawls this weekend, police across the country are on heightened alert. In particular, mosque protection has been strengthened following initially false reports that the Southport attacker was an illegal immigrant and a Muslim.
Friday's riots in Sunderland began near the local mosque. Participants threw stones, cans, and other objects at the police officers guarding the mosque. Clashes ensued when officers attempted to disperse the crowd.
During the riots, a police station was attacked and set on fire, and demonstrators also overturned and set fire to a car.
Riots in Sunderland. Residents and passengers terrified
Due to the ongoing brawls in the city, train and bus services have been suspended. Dozens of videos recorded by the hooligans themselves, as well as by journalists and residents condemning these behaviors, are appearing online.
Police reported that eight people have been arrested so far and that three officers were taken to the hospital due to injuries, with one already discharged.
Knife attack in Southport. Third child has died
On Tuesday morning, a third child - a victim of the knife-wielder who attacked on Monday in Southport, UK - died. Five children aged between 6 and 11 remain in critical condition.
The attack occurred on Monday in northwestern England. A witness recounted seeing bloodied children running out of the community center, where dance and yoga classes for groups aged six to 11 were taking place.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as "horrific and deeply shocking".
