Violence and clashes
In Liverpool, demonstrators threw bricks, bottles, and flares at riot police, resulting in injuries and damage, including a smashed police van windscreen.The unrest continued with reports of a chair being thrown at an officer and significant jostling and shoving among protesters.
Additionally, British transport police have warned the public after razor blades were found hidden under far-right extremist stickers at a train station near Dunton Green, Kent. These dangerous stickers, discovered by a commuter, were branded with the National Front’s initials ‘NF’ and the slogan ‘Rights for Whites.’
In Sunderland, where the violence reached its peak last night, demonstrators set fire to a police station, attacked officers with bricks, and looted local businesses. Police were forced to create a protective ring around a mosque amid the chaos. Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Mark Hall condemned the violence, stating, “This was not a protest – this was unforgivable violence and disorder.”
Police and public reaction
Police are working hard to manage the unrest. Manchester has issued a dispersal notice to control the situation, and Liverpool has restricted drone flights to help the police. Extra prosecutors are working over the weekend to handle the surge in incidents as reported, by the news agency Mirror.
Leaders are speaking out about the violence. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said those attacking police will face serious consequences. Former Home Secretary Priti Patel criticised the government’s response and called for Parliament to meet immediately. Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly urged the government to fully support the police in keeping order.
Religious and racial issues
The far-right protests are fueled by misinformation about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect charged in the Southport stabbing, which resulted in the deaths of three young girls. The misinformation, largely spread on social media, has stirred anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiments among demonstrators, as reported by news agency The Guardian.
Counter-protests have emerged in response to the far-right demonstrations, with various groups including anti-racism advocates and religious leaders calling for calm. In Belfast, a sizable anti-racism rally took place, aiming to counteract the anti-Islamic sentiments expressed by a smaller group. Similarly, in Leeds and Nottingham, counter-protesters have clashed with far-right demonstrators, denouncing racism and xenophobia.
The ongoing violence shows deep divisions in the UK, with tensions rising over race and religion. Authorities are working to restore order, and security will remain tight throughout the weekend as the situation continues to develop.