Unrest has broken out in British cities as hordes of far-right rioters break out after a series of violent ‘protests’.
Minority communities have been left in fear in recent days as riots broke out in parts of the country following the tragic stabbings in Southport, which left six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar dead.
Initially, it was claimed on the internet that the suspect was a Muslim refugee, but it later emerged that the person accused of the murders was born in Cardiff and that his parents were from Rwanda.
Following the heartbreaking events in Southport, far-right groups organised numerous ‘hate marches’ which turned violent, necessitating the deployment of riot police to restore order.
Riots have broken out in Liverpool, Leeds, Belfast and Teesside, with ethnic minorities, mainly the Muslim community, being attacked, the Mirror reports.
The UK authorities have largely blamed the terrorists supporting the EDL. The EDL, an anti-Islamic organisation, was founded in 2009 by former BNP member Tommy Robinson – whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (although he claims he is no longer a member).
From acid attacks to arson to hotels where families were staying, here’s a look at what’s happened since the hate marches began.
Rotherham: Hotel set on fire
About 700 rioters gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express, setting it on fire and throwing bottles, rocks and chairs at the hotel in an anti-immigration riot. The hotel is housing asylum seekers, including children.
Several large garbage cans were set on fire and pushed against a fire exit. Police had to use fire extinguishers to control the flames, which raged for half an hour.
A generator, patches of grass outside and several cardboard bins also went up in flames. At one point, men wearing balaclavas and masks lay flat on the road to prevent a fire engine they had just chased away from returning, according to eyewitness and Mirror reporter Lucy Thornton.
Manchester: Black man attacked
Footage circulated on social media in Manchester on Saturday showing a black man being attacked by a large group of white men in Piccadilly Gardens.
The video shows an attacker wearing a British flag and another wearing a mask. The victim is thrown to the ground as the crowd kicks him.
Violence broke out during a demonstration organised under the slogan ‘Enough is Enough’ in the city centre, with attendees clashing with counter-demonstrators and police. Fights broke out, a supermarket was forced to close and public transport was halted.
Liverpool: ‘Stabbing’
In Liverpool, local reports suggest that a Muslim man was stabbed at Blundellsands and Crosby train station on Friday, hours before a far-right riot at the nearby Abdullah Quilliam Mosque.
The incident is currently being investigated by Merseyside Police, while a video has gone viral showing an Islamic stall offering free Qurans allegedly being attacked in Liverpool city centre on Saturday.
In addition, rioters set fire to a library and tried to block firefighters from extinguishing the flames. Shops were also looted, with reports suggesting the attacks targeted businesses owned by ethnic minorities, local residents said.
According to the BBC, several garbage bins were also set on fire.
Merseyside Police and British Transport Police have been asked for a statement.
Hull: Asian man dragged from car
In Hull, footage emerged online of far-right rioters pulling an Asian man from his car, believed to be a taxi driver.
During the attack, which was captured on video, rioters can be heard shouting racist abuse such as “P**i” while damaging the vehicle, The Independent reports.
Rioters also targeted a hotel housing asylum seekers, throwing bottles and eggs at police officers who tried to contain the situation. Humberside Police confirmed that three officers were injured and 20 people were arrested.
In addition, shops in the city center were looted and items set on fire.
Sunderland: Filipino NHS nurses attacked
In Sunderland, Filipino NHS nurses on their way to a hospital to provide first aid were caught in the middle of the chaos of the riots.
NHS staff were reportedly ‘terrified’ as their taxis were pelted with stones by rioters.
The vehicles were the focus of rioters as they set fire to a police station following a protest that escalated after the Southport knife incident.
“They were in two different taxis and had been called in as emergency help because of the trouble,” a source told the Mirror. “They managed to get through but were clearly scared of what might happen to them.”
Northumbria Police confirmed that eight people have been arrested and three officers were taken to hospital after injuries sustained during the unrest on Friday night.
Middlesbrough: Suspected acid attack
Unverified reports began circulating on social media about an ‘acid attack’ targeting a Muslim woman in Middlesbrough. The community was alerted via WhatsApp messages detailing the attacks.
A message said: “There have been confirmed incidents of men driving past and throwing unknown liquids at Muslim women.”
Cleveland police have not yet received any official reports, but they are closely monitoring the situation based on online discussions.
Belfast: Anti-Muslim racist slogans
A handful of anti-Islamic protesters gathered in front of the city hall, chanting “Islam Away.”
Fireworks were later exchanged between this group and counter-demonstrators who spoke out against racism in the city.
Video shows at least one person from the anti-Islamic group carrying stones to a certain location, but it is unclear whether stones were thrown.
Another disturbing clip has surfaced online showing a young girl shouting, “P*cks out!” while holding her mother’s hand, while walking and laughing at the same time.
Blackburn: Anti-immigration unrest
A dispersal order was issued in Blackburn town centre yesterday amid fears of potential violence. Local MP Adnan Hussain urged residents to avoid the protest, raising concerns about potential clashes.
According to the Lancashire Telegraph, a small anti-immigrant protest took place, but lasted less than half an hour. It was reported that no more than 10 people were present, but larger counter-protest groups later appeared in the area.
Nottingham: Projectiles thrown
As NottinghamshireLive reported, both anti-Islam protesters and counter-protesters were seen throwing objects at each other. Many of those involved in the initial protest left and were replaced by individuals not affiliated with either group.
Police managed to keep the two groups separated for most of the protest.
Portsmouth: Battle Resolved
Today, hundreds of racist anti-immigration protesters were confronted by anti-racist demonstrators outside the Guildhall. An estimated 300 people gathered for the short protest this morning.
Police had to intervene when they tried to break up a chase. A group of young black men voiced their objections to the group’s presence, some of whom chanted English Defence League slogans afterwards.
Stoke-on-Trent: Suspected stabbing
Four men have been arrested in Stoke-on-Trent following disturbances in the Staffordshire town, as police denied claims on social media that a stabbing had taken place.
In response to the growing rumours, police clarified: “There is growing speculation that a stabbing has taken place as a result of the disorder today. We can confirm that this information is incorrect and that no stabbings have been reported to the police or emergency services, despite videos fuelling speculation on social media.”
The statement also provided an update on the situation: “We can confirm that a man has been injured after being struck by a blunt object that was thrown. His injuries are not thought to be serious and he has been taken to hospital for treatment. Four men have been arrested in connection with the disorder and are currently in custody for questioning.”