Far-right demonstrators have thrown flares towards Downing Street and a statue of Winston Churchill as they clashed with riot police in London.
A few hundred protesters joined the “Enough is Enough” demonstration in Whitehall on Wednesday evening in the wake of the tragic knife attack and subsequent riots in Southport.
Over 100 people were arrested at the event, where the crowd was heard chanting “Rule Britannia” and “we want our country back”.
Unrest was also reported in Hartlepool, where police made several arrests and a car was set on fire.
It comes as Merseyside Police made fifth arrest following violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday night, which saw a mob throwing bricks and bottles outside a mosque.
Police accused individuals who do not live in Merseyside or care about its people of using lies and disinformation around the identity of the knifeman in Monday’s attack “to bring violence and disorder to our streets”.
A 17-year-old, who cannot be legally named because of his age, has been charged with the murders of the Southport stabbing victims and will appear in court on Thursday.
Have you been affected by this incident? Email athena.stavrou@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Boy, 17, charged with murders of three young girls in Southport stabbing attack
- Right-wing protesters clash with riot police in London
- Family of hero yoga teacher give update on her condition
- Southport residents help with clean-up outside mosque targeted by rioters
Watch: Boy, 17, charged with murder and attempted murder after Southport stabbings
Thursday 1 August 2024 00:39
Athena Stavrou
BREAKING: Boy, 17, charged with murder after Southport knife attack
Thursday 1 August 2024 00:28
Athena Stavrou
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murders of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport.
Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed on Monday.
Eight other children suffered knife wounds – with five of them in a critical condition – while two adults were also critically hurt.
Speaking at a late-night press conference, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Ursula Doyle said the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder.
He will appear at Liverpool City Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Southport rioters had ‘no regard’ for families affected by tragedy, police say
Thursday 1 August 2024 00:01
Athena Stavrou
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “Our work to identify all those responsible for the despicable violence and aggression seen on the streets of Southport on Tuesday continues.
“We have been inundated with images and footage from members of the public who were outraged at the destruction carried out.
“The individuals involved in the disorder had no regard for the families and friends of those who so tragically lost their lives, and a community in grief.
“It has been heartening today to see the reaction of the whole community, who have pulled together to clean the streets, rebuild walls and re-glaze broken windows.”
Over 100 arrested at Whitehall protest
Wednesday 31 July 2024 23:53
Athena Stavrou
In a statement the Metropolitan Police said: “This evening during a planned protest on Whitehall some disorder took place.
“Officers acted to ensure the disorder was contained.
“Over 100 people have been arrested for offences including violent disorder, assault on an emergency worker, and breach of protest conditions.
“Some officers suffered minor injuries.”
Car set alight in Hartlepool
Wednesday 31 July 2024 23:53
Athena Stavrou
A police vehicle was set alight as disorder continued in Hartlepool town centre.
A series of pops could be heard from the fire which looks to have destroyed the vehicle which had been parked in Dent Street, before there was a louder bang as the fuel tank went up in flames.
Firefighters extinguished the blazing car, leaving it a smouldering shell.
People posed for selfies with the wreck after the fire brigade moved on.
Four arrested in Hartlepool
Wednesday 31 July 2024 23:30
Athena Stavrou
Four people have been arrested after glass bottles and eggs were thrown at police by protesters in Hartlepool.
Several officers suffered minor injuries responding to the disorder, Cleveland Police said.
Chief Superintendent David Sutherland said: “We currently have a high policing presence while officers respond to disorder that is taking place in Hartlepool following a protest that began this evening.
“At this stage we believe the protest is in connection with the incident in Southport earlier this week.
“Our officers are facing missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them and have made arrests as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those living in the community.
“I want to urge members of the public to stay away from the area.”
Pictured: Police officers on the streets of Hartlepool following a violent protest
Wednesday 31 July 2024 22:58
Athena Stavrou
Arrests after protests in Hartlepool
Wednesday 31 July 2024 22:20
Athena Stavrou
Several people have been arrested following a protest in Hartlepool, police said.
Jonathan Brash, the Labour MP for the town, said he was “deeply concerned” about the situation and would be meeting with police to discuss their response to the incident.
Videos on social media show a crowd of people in a street, with one showing a youth throwing objects at a line of police in riot gear holding shields.
On social media Cleveland Police said: “Officers remain in the Murray Street area while dealing with disorder after responding to a protest – several arrests have already been made.
“The road is still closed and people are advised to avoid the area.”
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Brash said: “I’m deeply concerned about the situation that is developing in Hartlepool this evening. I will be meeting with police to discuss the response to this incident and would urge calm to allow our emergency services to do their job.
“These events do not represent what Hartlepool is or the values that our people hold. Violence is never the answer.”
It comes after similar disorder in Merseyside and Whitehall, London after the mass stabbing in Southport that claimed the lives of three girls and left eight more children and two adults injured.
Man charged after Southport riots to appear in court tomorrow
Wednesday 31 July 2024 22:04
Athena Stavrou
Merseyside Police have charged a man with possession of an offensive weapon following the riots in Soutport on Tuesday night.
Jordan Davies, 32, of Portland Street, Southport has been charged with Possession of a knife/blade/sharp pointed article in a public place.
Davies will appear at Wirral Adult Remand Court tomorrow, Thursday 1 August.
The force said: “A report was received at 6.50pm that a man was seen with a knife on Eastbank Street.Officers attended and a man was detained at around 6.55pm, and a knife was recovered.”
Fifth man arrested in connection to Southport riots
Wednesday 31 July 2024 22:02
Athena Stavrou
Merseyside Police have arrested a fifth man in connection with the violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday night.
Officers were called to a report of a domestic incident in Southport on Wednesday, where it was reported a man had made threats to a male family member. Police attended and the suspect was taken to hospital for treatment for a head injury.
Officers recognised the man from footage of the disorder in Southport on Tuesday, where he is alleged to have thrown rocks at officers and struck a police van, and where it is believed the head injury was sustained.
The suspect was reported to have racially abused a fellow patient while at the hospital.
A 39-year-old man from Southport has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, threats to kill and a racially aggravated public order offence.
He has been taken into custody to be interviewed. He has been conditionally bailed.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “Our work to identify all those responsible for the despicable violence and aggression seen on the streets of Southport on Tuesday continues.
“We have been inundated with images and footage from members of the public who were outraged at the destruction carried out.“
The individuals involved in the disorder had no regard for the families and friends of those who so tragically lost their lives, and a community in grief.
“It has been heartening today to see the reaction of the whole community, who have pulled together to clean the streets, rebuild walls and re-glaze broken windows.”
Remaining protesters detained
Wednesday 31 July 2024 21:54
Athena Stavrou
Remaining protesters are being detained and led out of Whitehall for breaching a dispersal order.
Tens of protesters are being handcuffed near the Cenotaph and led away by police.
More clashes as protesters driven into Trafalgar Square
Wednesday 31 July 2024 21:27
Athena Stavrou
Protesters are being detained as police drive demonstrators out of Whitehall and into Trafalgar Square.
Several men were wrestled to the floor and handcuffed after confronting police.
Police are now attempting to open Whitehall to traffic, several hundred officers were involved in the operation to manage the protest.
Hero dance teacher awake but ‘not out of the woods yet’, family say
Wednesday 31 July 2024 21:25
Athena Stavrou
The hero yoga teacher who was stabbed while protecting children in the Southport knife attack is awake and has spoken for the first time, her family said.
Leanne Lucas, 35, has been in critical condition since a knifeman targeting both children and adults at a Taylor-Swift themed dance class on Monday morning.
Ms Lucas, who is believed to have been running the class, has been described by her cousin Chris Rimmer as a “hero” and who had “shielded two girls” during the attack.
Chris told the BBC that the family have been “torn apart” by the incident. He added that she is “not out of the woods yet”, but that she is recovering.
Rimmer says the family was “torn apart” by the incident.
“Everyone that is sat in this house right now is just concentrating on getting her home and concentrating on her [recovering enough] that we can see her,” he adds.
Police pushing remaining crowd towards Trafalgar Square
Wednesday 31 July 2024 21:13
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from Whitehall:
Police are now pushing the remaining crowd up towards Trafalgar Square in two lines with some resistance from the crowd.
They have lessened however and are significantly outnumbered by police
Pictured: Women detained at protest
Wednesday 31 July 2024 21:12
Athena Stavrou
Crowd quietens
Wednesday 31 July 2024 21:04
Athena Stavrou
The crowd at Downing Street appear to have calmed, Holly Evans reports from the scene.
More than a dozen people were arrested this evening as the right wing “Enough is Enough” demonstration turned violent.
Police have now formed a line and are gradually clearing the area.
Quiet in Southport as unrest breaks out in London
Wednesday 31 July 2024 20:54
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Barney Davis is in Southport where things are looking quiet tonight after two days of intense sadness and chaos.
Fears of another riot this evening have not materialised as the town returns to its usual quiet as it continues to mourn the victims of Monday’s knife attack.
Southport quiet as a mouse this evening. Businesses shutting early some in fear of another riot which *touch * doesn’t appear to be materialising.
— Barney Davis (@BarneyDavisIND) July 31, 2024
One business owner said:“That’s summer over” pic.twitter.com/1dOiIxL6k5
More arrests
Wednesday 31 July 2024 20:40
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from Whitehall:
Another group of men wearing England flags have now been arrested as another brawl emerges, with one woman seen being detained.
Lots of people are on the ground and a distressed woman is screaming “leave him alone”.
Helicopter seen over Whitehall as protest continues
Wednesday 31 July 2024 20:37
Athena Stavrou
A helicopter has been seen hovering over tonight’s right-wing protest in Whitehall.
The Independent’s Holly Evans is at the scene and said there is lots of angry shouting as another police line is formed, with several chanting Tommy Robinson’s name.
The crowd has signifcantly lessened however but small pockets of violence have continued to break out
Watch: Flares set off on Churchill statue as protesters clash with riot police near Downing Street
Wednesday 31 July 2024 20:26
Athena Stavrou
Police form second line
Wednesday 31 July 2024 20:23
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from Whitehall:
Police are now forming a second line outside the Cabinet Office after a group of protesters dashed out and made their way past the Women of World War II statue.
Lots of jeering and shouts of ‘traitors’ to the officers, as well as chants of ‘how many kids’.
A group of tourists, who appear to have been caught in the middle have been ushered to one side with the young daughter crying ‘mum what’s going on’
Pictured: Riot police arrest right-wing protesters
Wednesday 31 July 2024 20:16
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from Whitehall:
A number of people now being arrested, with one man shouting: “how can you arrest me? I love this country, how can you arrest me?”
More than a dozen detained
Wednesday 31 July 2024 20:09
Athena Stavrou
More than a dozen protesters have been detained by police on Whitehall.
Officers led many of the men away in handcuffs.
A police helicopter is flying over Downing Street amid the unrest.
Flares and smashed glass heard at protest
Wednesday 31 July 2024 20:08
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from Whitehall:
Riot police have gotten themselves ready after a scuffle broke out, with flares being set off to loud cheers.
Chants of ‘how many kids’ and ‘tommy robinson’ are being repeated. Another fight has since broken out with smashed glass heard.
Police and protesters fall to ground
Wednesday 31 July 2024 20:08
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans reports from Whitehall:
A number of people have now been detained by the police, with one group of protesters and police falling to the ground.
Several protesters, some who have travelled as far as Swindon, can be heard chanting ‘traitors’ at the police, while another pocket can be heard shouting ‘Tommy Tommy Robinson’.
A large police presence including a helicopter are surrounding Downing Street, with empty beer cans already littering the floor.
More pictures from Whitehall
Wednesday 31 July 2024 20:01
Athena Stavrou
Demonstration escalating
Wednesday 31 July 2024 19:58
Athena Stavrou
Our reporter Holly Evans is at the scene where the demonstration is growing increasingly tense.
Two men have just been detained as the crowd chants “freedom” while some hold England flags by the Cenotaph.
Police detain protester
Wednesday 31 July 2024 19:54
Athena Stavrou
Police detained a man wearing a balaclava near Downing Street. Officers wrestled the man off the road and onto the pavement.
Beer cans and glass bottles are being launched at a line of police in riot gear who have assembled to block Whitehall in front of Downing Street.
Other protesters have attempted to kick down a fence and were confronted by riot police.
Very heavy police presence
Wednesday 31 July 2024 19:49
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Holly Evans is reporting from the scene in Whitehall.
She described a very heavy police presence, with more riot police arriving as the demonstration continues.
Shouts of “for christ and for king” have been heard as many carry flags with the words ‘hear us England roar’ while wearing bucket hats with the Union Jack.
Protesters chant Tommy Robinson’s name around Cenotaph
Wednesday 31 July 2024 19:34
Athena Stavrou
Protesters at the “Enough is Enough” demonstration have thrown cans at police outside Downing Street.
Officers put on riot gear as demonstrators chanting Tommy Robinson’s name surrounded The Cenotaph.
Pictured: Whitehall protester detained at ‘Enough is Enough’ demonstration
Wednesday 31 July 2024 19:30
Athena Stavrou
Flares thrown at Winston Churchill statue by protesters
Wednesday 31 July 2024 19:28
Athena Stavrou
Protesters have thrown flares on to the statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square.
The demonstrators also shouted abuse at nearby pro-Ukrainian demonstrators and police.
Loud chants of “Oh Tommy Robinson” and “we want our country back” were also heard.
Protesters throw flares towards Downing Street
Wednesday 31 July 2024 19:20
Athena Stavrou
Protesters have thrown flares towards the gates of Downing Street at a demonstration taking place in the wake of the murders and subsequent riots in Southport.
A few hundred protesters chanting “Rule Britannia”, “save our kids” and “stop the boats” attempted to leave the pavement opposite Downing Street in defiance of strict Metropolitan Police conditions on the protest.
Shortly after 7pm, the protesters – many of whom were drinking alcohol – began marching towards Parliament Square.
Pictures: Crowd begins to gather at ‘Enough is Enough’ protest in Whitehall
Wednesday 31 July 2024 18:56
Athena Stavrou
Mosque chairman feared rioters would break in and burn building down
Wednesday 31 July 2024 18:40
Athena Stavrou
A mosque chairman and imam has described being trapped in the building while violence erupted outside as “terrifying” but said the supportive community response has been “humbling”.
Ibrahim Hussein said he is at a loss as to why people shouting abuse and throwing missiles had targeted Southport mosque and that he had feared rioters would at one point break in and “burn the place down”.
Police officers suffered serious injuries in the disorder on Tuesday night, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying rioters had “hijacked” a vigil for the victims of a stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.
Mr Hussein said the experience, in which he and around eight other people were trapped inside the mosque, had been “terrifying”.
“It was absolutely, awful, horrendous,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Mr Hussein, who only escaped at midnight with a police guard, added: “We couldn’t understand this viciousness that was going on, and even the police were taking a hammering from this lot.”
Fears of more far-right riots after thugs hijack horrific Southport stabbing
Wednesday 31 July 2024 18:25
Holly Evans
Police are braced for more violence after far-right protesters hijacked the tragic murders of three schoolgirls in Southport to launch riots which left 50 officers injured.
Far-right thugs were accused of using the horrific stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class to “whip up hatred” as misinformation about the identity of the suspected knifeman spread like wildfire on social media.
There have been calls for the government to come down hard on those spreading misleading information as Merseyside Police called in support from other forces amid fears of further action.
Read the full article here from our crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin:
Met Police place conditions on Downing Street protest
Wednesday 31 July 2024 18:04
Holly Evans
The Met police have placed conditions on a protest taking place outside Downing Street in the wake of the murders and subsequent riots in Southport.
Demonstrators taking part in the Enough Is Enough protest have to stay within a certain area and must leave at 8.30pm, the force said.
The event was promoted by actor Laurence Fox on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday.
Superintendent Neil Holyoak, who is leading the policing of the protest, said: “Following the tragic events in Southport, it is understandable the public have strong feelings about this shocking incident – but the subsequent violent, unlawful disorder that unfolded was completely unacceptable and driven by misinformation.
“Everyone has a right to protest and we continue to balance the right to lawful protest with everyone’s right to go about their lives without fear or serious disruption – which is why we have put conditions in place and deployed more officers across London.
“We are speaking to the protest organisers as well as local community groups, businesses and religious leaders, in particular the Muslim community who have been impacted by this week’s disorder in Southport.
“I urge everyone to exercise their right to protest calmly and within the law. Any disorder will be dealt with swiftly.”
Policing minister calls for rioters to be held to account
Wednesday 31 July 2024 17:41
Holly Evans
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson has said the “thugs and hooligans” involved in violence in Southport “must be held to account for their actions”.
Dame Diana wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “This is shocking to hear from a chief constable that so many of her officers were injured in the line of duty last night.
“The thugs and hooligans involved must be held to account for their actions on the streets of Southport yesterday.”
The Home Office minister had shared a video clip featuring Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, who told broadcasters that officers who dealt with riots on Tuesday were “some of the first responders who attended that awful scene on Monday and then were faced with that level of violence”.
This is shocking to hear from a Chief Constable that so many of her officers were injured in the line of duty last night. The thugs and hooligans involved must be held to account for their actions on the streets of Southport yesterday. https://t.co/GtVsPLfgRs
— Diana Johnson DBE MP (@DianaJohnsonMP) July 31, 2024
Former security minister raises concerns Putin behind Southport far right disinformation
Wednesday 31 July 2024 17:29
Holly Evans
Former security minister Stephen McPartland has suggested Russia could be behind a social media misinformation campaign which led to appalling secenes in Southport on Wednesday night as protesters rioted.
It comes as sources in the Home Office have told The Independent that an investigation is being carried out on the origin of social media posts which fuelled the angry disturbance in the town.
Security sources have pointed out that both China and Russia have large teams and netowrks working on disinformation campaigns which fuel social division and violence in the UK and other western democracies.
Read the full article here:
Local who was punched by rioters says they have ‘alienated’ the community
Wednesday 31 July 2024 17:15
Barney Davis
Michael Johnson, who lives by the mosque, was punched in the face by a member of the far right after they tried to rip up loose bits of concrete from his front patio.
He was labelled “a grass” and a “nonce” when he stopped them from stepping onto his property. He said he saw the rioters changing clothing to remain undetected and said neighbours had seen them passing lighter fluid in bottles to eachother before the police van was set ablaze.
After being given a “sucker punch” upper cut by one of the rioters, he has a message to the EDL: “Who have you helped with anything? You’ve alienated all the people we like you’ve destroyed all our properties, you’ve set fire to cars you’ve traumatised kids on top of what they had to deal with the other day.
“There were gangs getting changed into extra clothing they had other things to wear they know what they are doing. They get photographed then get changed and have another go.
“What really boils me is that round here we get on. We have no aminosity towards our Muslim friends or our Sri Lankan friends, everybody is a mix. But they came here last night and made it seem like everyone is against everyone. They have spoilt it for everybody.”
Business owner raises over £2k to support looted business
Wednesday 31 July 2024 17:00
Holly Evans
A Southport business owner whose shop is located across the road from a local store which was raided on Tuesday has helped raise more than £2,000 to support them.
Rose Tucker, 32, runs a beauty salon on Sussex Road and started a GoFundMe to support Windsor Mini Mart owner, Chanaka Balasuryla, who is of Sri Lankan background, after his shop was looted of alcohol and cigarettes during an outbreak of violence.
“Another shop next to us has had a window smashed, but nothing as deliberate as the Mini Mart, I don’t think,” she told the PA news agency.
Ms Tucker hopes the fundraiser, which has raised more than £2,000 of its £10,000 target, will provide a sense of “reassurance” for the family adding: “We love having this diverse community and we’re going to keep it that way. We do not condone any of (the riots), I think it’s barbaric.
“(Raising money) just seems like the right thing to do. They’ve had an absolutely horrific experience, so I want to help them as much as I can.”
How peaceful vigil for tragic loss of three young lives descended into violent riots in Southport
Wednesday 31 July 2024 16:49
Holly Evans
Southport should have been a town in mourning after the tragic loss of three young lives in horrific circumstances – instead, a peaceful vigil on Tuesday later descended into chaos as violent riots broke out on the streets.
Hours before the moving remembrance service, Merseyside Police confirmed that a third girl had been killed in the “ferocious” knife attack at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Hart Street.
Shortly after, the force named the victims as Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, who were pronounced dead shortly after Monday’s rampage, while Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, died from her injuries in hospital on Tuesday.
Read the full article from Tara Cobham here:
GoFundMe to restore ‘safe space’ for Muslim community raises over £1k
Wednesday 31 July 2024 16:32
Holly Evans
A Southport resident has started a GoFundMe raising nearly £1,000 to help “restore the safe space” of Muslims after the local mosque was vandalised during raids in the area on Tuesday.
Phoenix Lawson, 20, said: “It is the only mosque in Southport. It is the only place they can pray peacefully and it’s just been destroyed unfortunately.”
“I was informed that three panels of the window of the mosque was destroyed and smashed in, and also the brick wall outside was completely demolished.
“It’s a very unsafe environment for a lot of Muslims now. Friday prayer is two days away and there’s been a massive raid outside the mosque. I don’t think they’re going to want to go there as of now.”
She added the stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club on Monday and the riots a day later has been a “big shock” for the Southport community.
“It’s scary. Everything is quiet in Southport nothing really goes on here. You don’t really care about nighttime or robberies but to have three murders and then massive riots to happen in space in two days is a big shock,” she said.
All we know about Southport stabbing suspect and why he has not been named
Wednesday 31 July 2024 16:24
Holly Evans
Since the tragic stabbing that claimed the lives of three children unfolded on Monday, mounting questions have emerged as to the identity of the knifeman.
In what has been described as one of the darkest days in the Merseyside town’s history, several young children were attacked while attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, with five still in critical condition in hospital.
Two adults, believed to have been injured while bravely attempting to stop the attacker, remain in a similar state, with the seaside town reeling in shock.
Read the full article here:
Full Fact’s chief executive responds to the recent unrest in Southport fuelled by disinformation
Wednesday 31 July 2024 16:09
Holly Evans
Chris Morris, Chief Executive of Full Fact, said: “In Southport we saw the horrific consequences of online misinformation spilling into the real world. It’s a terrible reminder that everyone in society needs the tools to identify and challenge falsehoods.
“Internet companies must react faster and more comprehensively to stop the spread of misinformation on their platforms before it can cause devastating harm. That is a significant challenge while the Online Safety Act barely scratches the surface of online misinformation.
“The Government needs to examine how it should regulate and support the sector to build better defences. Our laws need to reflect the reality that misinformation is a frontline threat to community safety that ruins lives.”
Three police dogs injured in ‘wanton violence and destruction’
Wednesday 31 July 2024 15:52
Holly Evans
Merseyside police said garden walls were broken down by protesters who threw the bricks at officers and the local mosque. Cars and wheelie bins were set alight, and a convenience store looted, as well as three police dogs injured.
A section 60 order, that gives police greater stop and search powers, has been out in place, as well as a section 34 measure that gives them powers to stop anti-social behaviour.
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “The wanton violence and destruction we saw is the very last thing the people of Southport need having been rocked by the awful events of Monday. The disrespect toward grieving families and the community is despicable, and I want to reassure residents in Southport that we will have a significantly increased police presence in the town in the coming days.”
The force appealed for anyone with information about or footage of those involved in the unrest to come forward.