Police arrested dozens of individuals after protests across parts of England and Northern Ireland turned violent on Saturday.
The government vowed to take strict action against those exploiting the murder of three girls to incite disorder.
Violent protests involving hundreds of anti-immigration groups erupted in various British towns and cities after a knife attack at a children’s dance class in Southport, northwest England, resulted in the deaths of three girls last week.
Anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim groups seized on the murders, fueled by misinformation that the suspect was a radical Islamist migrant.
However, police confirmed that the suspect was born in Britain, with media reports indicating his family is Christian.
Violent unrest broke out on Saturday in cities including Liverpool, Bristol, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, and Blackpool, leading to at least 87 arrests. Unrest was also reported in Manchester and Belfast.
Shops and businesses were vandalized and looted, a library in Liverpool was set on fire, and several police officers were injured, according to police statements.
READ ALSO: Shame On Tinubu, APC For Turning Deaf Ears To Cries Of Aggrieved Protesters —Nwaokobia Fumes
“Criminal violence and thuggery on our streets will not be tolerated,” stated Interior Minister Yvette Cooper on Saturday.
“Police forces have my full support in ensuring that those who engage in criminal disorder face the strongest possible penalties.”
Saturday’s protests were the most widespread after several days of unrest following the murders. Prime Minister Keir Starmer attributed the violence to deliberate actions by the far-right, orchestrated by a “group of individuals who are absolutely bent on violence,” rather than legitimate protest.
The last time Britain experienced such widespread violent protests was in 2011, when thousands took to the streets after police shot dead a Black man in London. Additional demonstrations are planned for Sunday, according to messages circulating on social media.
(NDTV)
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
