Thirty-nine police officers were injured after violence erupted following a vigil for the victims of a knife attack that killed three children in Southport, United Kingdom.
The unrest began on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, just hours after a vigil was held to honor the victims.
According to BBC News, eight officers sustained serious injuries, including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose, and concussion.
Other injuries included one officer being knocked unconscious and several others suffering head and facial injuries. Additionally, three police dogs were hurt, with two being hit by bricks.
The violence, believed to involve supporters of the English Defence League, occurred near a mosque on St Luke’s Road. Rioters threw bricks at the mosque, set fire to cars and wheelie bins, and damaged a local convenience store.
The Merseyside Police reported that 27 officers were taken to the hospital, while 12 were treated and discharged at the scene.
To address the violence, a 24-hour Section 60 Order has been introduced, giving police enhanced stop-and-search powers. A Section 34 Order has also been put in place to direct those involved in antisocial behavior.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss condemned the violence, calling it “sickening” and noting that it occurred in a “devastated” community. He praised off-duty officers who returned to duty to support their colleagues and thanked various police forces for their aid. Goss added, “Sadly, offenders have destroyed garden walls to use the bricks to attack our officers and have set cars on fire. This is no way to treat a community still reeling from Monday’s events.”
The unrest was reportedly fueled by false social media claims linking the knife attack to Islamist groups. The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, criticized the disinformation and condemned the attacks on police officers. She said, “It is appalling that police officers are facing attacks from thugs who have no respect for a grieving community.”
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell also expressed her dismay, saying, “This is a community grieving unimaginable tragedy. Such behavior is abhorrent and only causes further harm and suffering.”
Southport MP Patrick Hurley expressed concern over the violence, noting it involved “people from outside our Southport community attacking our police and local people.”
The violence occurred just after a vigil where over 1,000 residents gathered to remember the victims of the knife attack. Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy emphasized that the focus should remain on supporting the victims and their families, stating, “This is where all of our focus should be.”
The Liverpool Region Mosque Network urged unity against hate and violence, calling for solidarity within the community.
