Violence erupts in Southport following a tragic stabbing attack on children at a dance class, leading to riots and injuries among police officers
In Southport, intense clashes erupted on Tuesday night between police and suspected English Defence League (EDL) supporters, resulting in at least 39 police officers being injured. The violence followed a peaceful vigil for the victims of a horrific stabbing attack on Monday, where three children were killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
The unrest began outside a local mosque, where a large group of individuals, allegedly associated with the EDL, threw bricks and set off fireworks. The situation quickly escalated, leading to a police van being set on fire and officers facing significant attacks. Among the injured, 27 officers required hospital treatment, while others were treated at the scene.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss emphasized that misinformation about a 17-year-old suspect was fueling the violence. The detained individual, from Banks, is not believed to be linked to terrorism, and authorities have seized a knife in connection with the stabbings. The tragic attack resulted in the deaths of Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. Five other children and two adults remain critically injured.
The riots on Tuesday night saw rioters using firecrackers and chanting far-right slogans. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, stating that the rioters had “hijacked” the vigil and would face the full force of the law. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the attacks on police as “appalling,” and praised the community’s resilience and the police’s heroism.
Footage has surfaced showing a person pacing outside a house, which was later raided by armed police. This individual, dressed in a green hoodie and face mask, was seen near the scene of the stabbing, but the connection to the attack is still under investigation.
The North West Ambulance Service declared a major incident, deploying significant resources to handle the situation and treat the injured officers. The service confirmed that 22 officers had been treated, with 11 requiring hospitalization.
Independent
In Southport, a tragic knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class resulted in the deaths of three young girls: Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice Dasilva Aguiar (9). Five other children and two adults were critically injured. A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested, but the attack is not considered terror-related.
Following the attack, violence erupted outside a local mosque as suspected English Defence League (EDL) supporters clashed with police. The unrest began after a peaceful vigil for the victims. Protesters threw bricks, and fireworks, and set a police van on fire, injuring at least 39 officers. The North West Ambulance Service declared a major incident as 27 officers required hospital treatment.
Political leaders have condemned the violence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the rioters for “hijacking” the vigil and vowed they would face legal consequences. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also denounced the attacks, calling them “appalling” and praising the police for their efforts.
In response to the violence, authorities are investigating the connections between the stabbing and the subsequent riots. The community is reeling from the dual impact of the tragic stabbing and the violent disturbances. Taylor Swift has posted an emotional tribute to the victims on Instagram, reflecting the widespread grief and shock felt by the public.
Overall, the situation in Southport remains tense as local authorities work to manage the aftermath of these devastating events and address the ongoing unrest.
Sky News
On Tuesday evening, violence erupted outside a mosque in Southport following a tragic knife attack that claimed the lives of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. The stabbings, which occurred on Monday, left three girls—Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice Dasilva Aguiar (9)—dead, with five other children and two adults critically injured.
The unrest outside the mosque was fueled by suspected English Defence League (EDL) supporters who clashed with police. Rioters, many in masks and hoodies, threw objects and set a police van on fire. The North West Ambulance Service declared a major incident, treating 39 officers, 27 of whom were hospitalized. Police used riot gear to manage the crowd and additional patrols were dispatched, including a dog unit.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the rioters, stating they would face legal repercussions and calling their actions an insult to the grieving community. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper urged against spreading false information about the suspect—a 17-year-old UK-born male who is not Muslim. This speculation has exacerbated tensions, with the violence reportedly perpetrated by individuals not local to Merseyside.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss criticized the misuse of the attack for inciting violence and assured that police would continue to safeguard the community. Merseyside Police have also received support from neighbouring forces.
Earlier on Tuesday, a peaceful vigil was held for the victims, but tensions escalated when a man with a flick knife was arrested near the event. The stabbings and subsequent disorder have deeply affected Southport, with ongoing investigations and community support efforts in place.
