UK: Violence erupts outside mosque in Southport following stabbing incident

Speculation about the alleged attacker's identity circulated online, fueling the tension

July 31, 2024

Southport: Police officers injured in disorder outside mosque in wake of deadly stabbing attack

A violent confrontation between protesters and police erupted outside a mosque in Southport, a town in northwest England, following a tragic stabbing incident that claimed three lives. The unrest occurred near the scene of the stabbing, which shocked the local community.

Merseyside Police have identified the English Defence League (EDL) as a key group behind the escalating protests.

The tensions, already high due to the fatal knife attack reported earlier this week, were further exacerbated by online speculation regarding the alleged attacker’s identity, according to The Sun.

Speculation about the alleged attacker’s identity circulated online, fuelling the tension that already existed after Monday’s horrific knife attack, The Sun reported.

At least 22 police officers, responding to the situation, were injured and 11 were hospitalized after clashes.

Protesters threw bricks at the mosque, set fire to cars and wheelie bins, and caused damage to a local convenience store, police said.

Earlier, tragedy struck a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class in Southport, England, where a horrific stabbing rampage by a teenager resulted in the death of two children and left 11 others injured.

Witnesses described the scene as resembling a “horror movie,” with bloodied children fleeing in panic from the venue to escape the assailant’s savage attack on Monday. Witnesses described hearing blood-curdling screams and seeing children covered in blood emerging from the business that hosts everything from pregnancy workshops and meditation sessions to women’s boot camps.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.