Violent riots erupted in multiple British cities on Saturday following the murder of three young girls in northern England. The unrest involved hundreds of anti-immigration protesters who took to the streets after false rumors circulated on social media. These rumors falsely claimed that the suspect in Monday's fatal stabbing at a children's dance class in Southport was a radicalized Muslim immigrant, reports Reuters. Police have identified the suspect as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, a British-born individual. Despite this, anti-immigration and anti-Muslim demonstrations escalated into violence, arson, and looting. Riots occurred in Liverpool, Bristol, Hull, and Belfast, resulting in injuries to numerous police officers. Dozens of individuals have been arrested for violent disorder, burglary, and criminal damage across Britain. In response, authorities have deployed police forces in affected cities and advised mosques to enhance security measures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the far-right for instigating the violence and pledged strong police action. On Friday night, anti-immigration demonstrators in Sunderland targeted a mosque, throwing stones at police and vandalizing property. A car was set on fire, and a police station was damaged. Further protests are anticipated on Sunday.
