Credits: Bloomberg
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with senior police leaders on Thursday following two nights of violent clashes between protesters and police. The unrest was sparked by a tragic knife attack that resulted in the deaths of three young girls at a dance class in Southport.
On Wednesday evening, thousands of anti-immigration protesters gathered near Starmer’s Downing Street office, chanting slogans like “save our kids” and “we want our country back.” The protest followed a night of violence in Southport, where over 50 police officers were injured. The disorder was fueled by false information circulating on social media that the suspect was a radical Islamist migrant.
The attack occurred on Monday during a “Taylor Swift yoga and dance workshop,” a summer event for children aged 6 to 11. A 17-year-old male is currently in police custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Authorities have clarified that the incident was not terrorism-related and that the suspect is British-born, countering rumors about his background.
Starmer’s office announced that the Prime Minister would offer the government’s full support to the police in addressing the recent violence and public disorder. “While the right to peaceful protest must be protected at all costs, he will be clear that criminals who exploit that right to sow hatred and carry out violent acts will face the full force of the law,” the statement added.
The meeting aims to address the recent high-profile incidents and reinforce the government’s commitment to maintaining public order and safety.
