London: Far-right demonstrations clashed with anti-racism protesters as cities and towns across the UK descended into chaos following a stabbing incident at a dance class in Southport last week, which left three girls dead and several others wounded.
Bottles were thrown, shops were looted, and police officers were attacked in cities including Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool, and Belfast. Over 100 people were arrested as Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged the government's "full support" for police forces to take action against "extremists" who are trying to "sow hate".
Merseyside Police said several officers were injured in “serious disorder” in the center of Liverpool, about 20 miles away from the scene of the stabbing attack. A few hundred anti-fascist demonstrators gathered across from Liverpool’s Lime Street station at lunchtime, calling for unity and tolerance, chanting “refugees are welcome here” and “Nazi scum, off our streets”, a BBC report stated.
According to the New York Times, the violence has been driven by online disinformation and extremist right-wing groups intent on creating disorder after the stabbing attack. A range of far-right factions and individuals, including neo-Nazis, violent soccer fans, and anti-Muslim campaigners, have promoted and taken part in the unrest. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned the mobs they will "pay the price" for such "criminal disorder and violent thuggery".
India issues safety advisoryThe High Commission of India in London has issued a safety advisory for Indian nationals to "stay vigilant and exercise due caution" amid ongoing violent clashes that have targeted immigrants and asylum-seekers in parts of the UK. "Indian travelers would be aware of recent disturbances in some parts of the United Kingdom. The High Commission of India in London is closely monitoring the situation. Visitors from India are advised to stay vigilant and exercise due caution while traveling in the UK. It is advisable to follow local news and advisories issued by local security agencies, and to avoid areas where protests are underway". |
