Violence erupts outside Southport mosque - rioters believed to be EDL supporters 'hijack' vigil as misinformation circulates online

A police van has been set on fire after violence erupted outside a mosque, while police riot vans and officers stood guard outside the building, amid chants of “No surrender!” and “English till I die!” from sections of the crowd. According to police, the rioters are “believed to be supporters of the English Defence League”, with Merseyside Police previously commenting on misinformation about a teenage suspect arrested in connection with the Southport stabbings being spread online.

The shocking scenes saw 39 police officers and three police dogs injured, including one officer who suffered a broken nose following the chaotic scenes outside the mosque. Officers were seen in helmets and riot gear, with stones and bottles launched at them and police riot vans attacked.

Firecrackers could be heard going off along with multiple police sirens sounding. A crowd of people, many wearing masks and hoodies, were in a running battle with officers outside the mosque as more police arrived.

Merseyside Police, in a statement, said: “We can confirm officers are dealing with a disturbance during a protest in Southport this evening (Tuesday 30 July). At around 7.45pm, a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defence League – began to throw items towards a local mosque on St Luke’s Road in Southport. Officers who are deployed are currently dealing with criminal behaviour and violence with bottles and wheelie bins being thrown at them. As a result, an officer has suffered a suspected broken nose and police vehicles have been damaged and set alight. Additional patrols are now in attendance, including the Dog Section.”

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I am incredibly proud of my officers and staff who have worked so hard to save the lives of children, investigate the horrific incident from yesterday, working with partners to provide reassurance to our communities and now they are facing this level of violence from these thugs Over 1000 residents from Southport came together this evening to remember the little girls who have died, those who are still critical in hospital and all those who witnessed & are traumatised by the events from yesterday. This is where all of our focus should be.”

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance studio in Hart Street. The unnamed suspect is from Wales, according to the police, but false claims that he was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat and also a Muslim have spread online.

Nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, six-year-old Bebe King, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe were named as the three girls fatally stabbed in the incident on Monday. Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were also critically injured, police said.

Police added that a name shared on social media in connection with the suspect is “incorrect”, adding: “We would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing.”

Following the stabbings yesterday, Southport mosque wrote on Facebook: “We at the Southport Mosque are truly shocked and saddened to hear about the events that unfolded today in Southport. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of all affected. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.Ibrahim HusseinOn behalf of the Muslim community.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the scenes, saying that rioters in Southport had “hijacked” the vigil for the three young girls, adding that those involved in the riot will “feel the full force of the law” as a result. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said that “scenes of thuggery” in Southport yesterday evening “bear no relation” to the community which has been so heavily affected by the tragic events.

She added: “I think everyone should be showing some respect for the community that is grieving and also for the police who are pursuing an urgent criminal investigation now, and who showed such heroism and bravery yesterday in the face of these horrific attacks.

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives. In the last 24 hours, we have seen overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to deal with their loss and care for victims injured during the major incident.

“Yesterday, our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face. Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavour to prevent disorder. The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside.

“There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets. We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time.

“Our officers should not have to face this, but we will be there tonight to ensure the safety of the local community who have suffered enough, and will arrest those involved in criminal behaviour.”