This week, right-wing mobs have thrown UK towns and cities into turmoil, with riot police making numerous arrests across the country, and TheMirror.com has obtained a map suggesting where to avoid in order to remain safe .
Violent protests erupted from Liverpool to Hull and Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent following the fatal stabbings in Southport on Monday that resulted in the death of three young girls and several others injured. Misinformation circulated online suggesting the suspect was a Muslim refugee, but it later came to light that the individual arrested by police was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents.
In response to the killings, the right-wing group Enough is Enough organized multiple protests where chants of "save the kids" could be heard. However, many of these planned demonstrations quickly devolved into violence, necessitating the intervention of riot police to quell the disorder.
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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned those participating in violent disorder will face consequences.
"Criminal violence and disorder have no place on Britain's streets," she informed broadcasters. "We've made it clear to the police that they have our full support in taking the strongest possible action against perpetrators, including ensuring there are more prosecutors, sufficient prison places, and that the courts stand ready because anyone who engages in this kind of disorder needs to understand that they will pay the price."
Over 20 demonstrations were scheduled by far-right activists for the weekend, with police forces on high alert following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's call to restore order to Britain's streets.
Where are more demonstrations planned?
More protests are expected to unfold this weekend, with several more scheduled to occur at various locations on Sunday, including at:
- Bolton Town Hall
- Lancaster Town Hall
- Middlesbrough Cenotaph
- Weymouth Seafront Clock
- Rotherham
- Newcastle Upon Tyne - Saturday, August 10
Where did the riots occur today?
Belfast
A small assembly of anti-Islamic protestors convened in front of City Hall. The group chanted "Islam Out."
and fireworks were subsequently thrown between them and anti-racism demonstrators in the city.
Video footage revealed at least one member of the anti-Islam activists carrying bricks to a location, though it remains unclear if they were thrown.
Blackburn
A dispersal order was implemented across Blackburn town center today due to fears that violence would break out across the town. Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain advised people to avoid the protest and reiterated concerns about potential escalation leading to clashes.
A brief anti-immigrant protest took place, lasting less than half an hour, as reported by the Lancashire Telegraph. It is believed that no more than 10 people attended, and larger counter-protest groups were observed in the area later.
Blackpool
Ahead of today's planned protest, Lancashire Police issued a statement: "We know that the majority of those who plan to attend intend to express their opposing views in a lawful manner."
"However, we have received information which indicates that some individuals who plan to attend are intent on causing disorder. We are doing everything in our power to stop that from happening and keep you, the public, safe. With that in mind, a Section 34 dispersal order has been put in place to prevent disorder and allow other members of the community to enjoy the town centre without any issue."
Bristol
Police are on high alert tonight as demonstrators clashed in Bristol's Castle Park amidst increased tensions. Avon and Somerset Police have responded by securing additional powers, enabling them to conduct stop-and-searches and disperse those gathered in the city centre due to the protests.
Afterwards, authorities confirmed multiple arrests following violent unrest in the heart of the city.
Hull
Chaos reigned as numerous blazes raged across the area today. Police alongside firefighters made concerted efforts to restore order.
Amid the turmoil, items were torched outside businesses, hotel windows shattered, and rioters attempted to breach police blockades. Onlookers witnessed the enforcement, with police donning riot gear at the scene.
Leeds
A group of about 200 protesters took to the city streets this afternoon, a scene met with a considerable law enforcement turnout. The protesters, faces obscured by masks, wound their way through Trinity Leeds and concluded their march near the Corn Exchange.
Liverpool
In The Strand, near Liverpool One shopping area, far-right activists engaged in violent confrontations with riot police. Officers were bombarded with bricks and other objects during the protest.
Merseyside Police reported that several officers sustained injuries during these violent encounters. Later, police attempted to direct the protesters towards Albert Docks, a popular tourist destination.
Manchester
Today, hundreds descended upon the city center, resulting in several fights. As per the Manchester Evening News, officers tried to separate the demonstrators, but videos showed skirmishes erupting in Piccadilly Gardens.
A group of masked troublemakers stormed a Sainsbury's this afternoon, with some heard chanting the name of far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Nottingham
As reported by NottinghamshireLive, both anti-Islam and counter-protesters hurled objects at each other. Many individuals involved in the initial protest departed and were replaced by people unaffiliated with either group.
Police managed to keep both groups separated for most of the protest.
Portsmouth
Today, hundreds of anti-immigration protesters faced off against anti-racist demonstrators on the steps of the Guildhall. It is estimated that about 300 people assembled for the brief protest this morning.
Police clashed with protesters as they attempted to disperse a chase. A group of young black men expressed their objection to the presence of the group, some of whom chanted English Defence League slogans afterward.
Preston
A spokesperson for Preston City Council has urged the public to steer clear of a planned protest at the Flag Market. The representative further stated: "Our message is to stay away from any possible disorder this weekend and to continue supporting our neighbours in Southport and our police colleagues who are stretched and need to be able to police any event effectively."
St Helens
Today, a small group of protesters assembled in Victoria Square in St Helens, though it seemed to have drawn only a handful of people.
Stoke-on-Trent
In Stoke-on-Trent, four men were taken into custody following unrest in the Staffordshire city. Police refuted rumors of a stabbing incident that had been circulating on social media.
The force clarified in a statement: "There is growing speculation that a stabbing has taken place as a result of the disorder today. We can confirm this information is false and no stabbings have been reported to police or emergency responders, despite videos fuelling speculation on social media."
"We can confirm a man was injured after being hit 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."
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