DISGRACEFUL VIOLENCE
Violent mob clashes with riot cops and set police vans on fire outside mosque near scene of horror Southport stabbing
Bottles and wheelie bins have also been thrown at officers
POLICE vans were set on fire as cops clashed with rioters outside a mosque in Southport near the scene of a horror stabbing that left three dead.
Large crowds fought with officers in the Merseyside town not far from where three children were killed in a sickening knife rampage on Monday.
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Shocking footage from the scene showed bottles and bricks being thrown at police vans as other projectiles hurtled through the air.
Merseyside Police said that the English Defence League was believed to be behind the violent protests.
It comes as tensions run high in the town following a stabbing attack, where three children were killed while attending a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop.
Speculation about the alleged attacker's identity circulated online, fuelling the tension that already existed after Monday’s horrific attack.
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Despite social media claims, the suspect was born in Cardiff.
Riot police wearing helmets and carrying large shields huddled together as chaos outside the mosque in Southport raged on for hours.
More than one police vehicle was set alight, as thick smoke billowed into the balmy air.
Protestors in the crowd were heard shouting, as a police helicopter was heard scouring the area from above.
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Riot police and dogs units were deployed to bring the crowd under control with multiple cops sustaining injuries.
Emergency services confirmed 22 police officers were injured and 11 were hospitalised after violent clashes.
Of those, eight sustained serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.
Some yobs even climbed on top of a building before throwing rocks down at police.
Bottles and wheelie bins were also hurled at officers responding to the incident in a night of violence.
A fresh supply of riot cops then arrived to take on the crowds but they were met with a salvo of rocks and bricks.
The force managed to clear the area directly outside the mosque and stood guard with their batons raised.
Two more fires, which appear to be wheelie bins, were set alight as the crowds dispersed.
Merseyside Police said that a 24-hour Section 60 Order has been introduced in the area.
The Order, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, gives officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals in the area and is designed to minimise serious violence.
Cops confirmed cars were set ablaze and multiple officers were injured after the "unacceptable" behaviour.
The force said that shops were also broken into and looted in Southport and warned that anyone responsible would be "brought to justice".
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A local man told The Sun: "Surely the police could have done more to prevent this from happening.
"Burning, looting and bricks. Will we ever get over this."
The violence appears to have been linked to several false accusations spread online.
The area is around a five-minute walk from the scene of Monday's stabbing attack.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss says: "There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody, and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.
"We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time.
"It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives."
It comes after hundreds of people rallied together in solidarity outside The Aktinson Art Gallery in Merseyside to pay their respects at a separate peaceful vigil.
Some lit candles while others lay flowers and reflected on the tragedy.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said anyone involved in the disorder in Southport will “feel the full force of the law".
Three girls killed in Southport stabbing named as tributes paid to Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Aguiar
He added: “Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said it was “appalling” police officers in Southport were facing attacks from “thugs on the streets who have no respect for a grieving community”.
The MP for Southport says she was "deeply concerned" by the violent protest and has urged people to "stay safe".
In a statement on X, Patrick Hurley says he "fully condemns any attack" on emergency services, pointing out that these are the same services that responded to the tragic stabbing attack.
He added: "I appeal to local people to avoid the area and stay safe, to allow the police to do their job. I want to thank our community for pulling together and supporting every person who has been affected by Monday's tragic attack."
The MP also thanked those who attended a vigil earlier to remember the three children - Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar - who were killed in the attack, and the 10 other people who were injured.
"I was deeply saddened to hear the news today of the death of a third child. Bebe, Elsie and Alice are in all of our thoughts and hearts today," he adds.
Meanwhile, a man "wearing a balaclava" and carrying a knife was arrested in Southport last night - just yards from the vigil.
Merseyside Police confirmed they had arrested a 32-year-old on suspicion of possessing a bladed article - while the force's Detective Inspector condemned knife crime in the aftermath of the "swift arrest".
It comes as Bebe and Elsie, aged six and seven, were identified as the first victims in the attack on Tuesday .
Armed police were called to the scene on Hart Street, Southport, at 11.47am on Monday.
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A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance studio.
Merseyside Police said the motive is currently unclear but it was not suspected to be terror-related.
Southport summer camp attack timeline
Monday, July 29
10am
Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop begins at The Hart Space in Hart Street
11.47am
Police called to reports of a stabbing, and a major incident is declared
5.25pm
Police confirm 17-year-old male was arrested - and later clarify he was detained on suspicion of murder and attempted murder
7.18pm
Police confirm two young children have died
Tuesday, July 30
8.30am
Police confirm suspect continues to be questioned
10.30am
Taylor Swift posts tribute on Instagram
12.30pm
Police confirm a third girl, aged nine, has died - also say ages of first two deaths were six and seven
3.20pm
Police named the three victims as Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.
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