The United Kingdom has been rocked by its worst riots in over a decade, triggered by anti-immigration protests and misinformation surrounding a recent mass stabbing incident. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a stern warning to far-right demonstrators, promising they will “regret” their participation in the violence.
The unrest began after false rumors about the stabbing of three children in Southport spread across social media. The misinformation led to violent clashes between anti-immigration protesters and police in multiple cities, including Rotherham, Middlesbrough, and Birmingham.
In Rotherham, South Yorkshire, rioters targeted a Holiday Inn Express used to house asylum seekers, smashing windows and setting fires. Police reported ten officers injured, though no hotel staff or guests were harmed. Similar scenes unfolded in Middlesbrough, where protesters clashed with riot police, throwing bricks and bottles.
In Birmingham, another hotel housing asylum seekers was attacked by a large group throwing projectiles and starting fires. One officer was injured in the incident.
Prime Minister Starmer condemned the violence, denouncing it as “far-right thuggery” and vowing to bring those responsible to justice. “I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder,” Starmer warned in a TV address, criticizing those who incited the violence online and promised to hold them accountable.
The riots have spread to various towns and cities, with over 150 arrests reported following clashes at far-right rallies in Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Blackpool, Hull, and Belfast. Demonstrators have looted shops, burned buildings, and clashed with counter-protesters, some of whom have been chanting anti-Islamic slogans.
Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders in Liverpool have called for calm, as the violence continues to escalate. Tiffany Lynch of the Police Federation of England and Wales expressed concern over the spread of unrest to major cities and towns.
The riots were fueled by false social media claims about the suspect in the Southport stabbing. Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old British-born individual, is accused of the attack, which involved the deaths of three young children and injuries to ten others.
The English Defence League (EDL), an anti-Islam organization, has been linked to the violence. The UK interior ministry has announced increased security for Islamic places of worship in response to threats.
The unrest has prompted responses from various political figures. Carla Denyer of the Green Party urged politicians to reconsider their anti-immigration rhetoric, while Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage’s recent electoral success highlights growing far-right sentiments.
Despite some peaceful protests, such as a rally in Aldershot, where participants held placards reading “Stop the invasion,” the overall atmosphere remains tense. The far-right protests have been advertised under slogans like “Enough is enough,” with participants waving British flags and chanting anti-migrant slogans.
Sources By Agencies
