Sir Keir Starmer has put police forces on an emergency footing in case of more riots and violence by the far right.
The prime minister condemned the “tiny, mindless minority in society’’ after far-right groups caused scenes of chaos in London, Hartlepool and Southport.
He said the community in Southport “had to suffer twice” after the stabbings that killed three children and left 10 other people injured.
Police forces will be able to share resources and intelligence with national teams following known far-right activists, Sir Keir announced.
It comes after a 17-year-old boy who is charged with the murders of three girls killed in the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport was identified.
The media may report that the suspect is Axel Rudakubana, the Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC ruled at Liverpool Crown Court.
The teenager, from Banks in Lancashire, was charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.
Have you been affected by this incident? Email tara.cobham@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Southport triple murder suspect identified
- Sir Keir Starmer puts police on emergency footing
- Police to use facial recognition and monitor train ticket sales in anti-violence drive
- Teenage stabbing suspect appears in court accused of murdering three girls
- Boy, 17, charged with murders in Southport attack
Hunt for Hampshire protesters who injured officer
22:45
Jane Dalton
Police are searching for protesters who threw objects and shouted racist abuse at a demonstration outside a hotel housing migrants in Aldershot, which left one officer injured.
Hampshire police said that a minority of the 200 people who gathered outside the Potters International Hotel became involved in the disruption on Wednesday evening.
Appealing for witnesses, a spokesman said: “Investigations are under way today to take action against those who sparked disruption in Aldershot last night (31 July).
“A protest took place outside the Potters International Hotel and as with previous protests at this site, the majority of attendees gathered in a peaceful manner.
“Unfortunately, at around 6.45pm, a minority of the 200 people present got involved in criminal activity, throwing objects and subjecting people to racial abuse.
“Our officers were swiftly on scene and were able to disperse the group quickly.”
Opinion: Nigel Farage has handed Keir Starmer an open goal
21:45
Jane Dalton
In pictures: Flowers for three girls
21:00
Jane Dalton
Local people in Southport have left floral tributes to the three girls who died, Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King and Alice Dasilva Aguiar:
Stop-and-search powers order renewed
20:19
Jane Dalton
An order giving police greater stop-and-search powers has been renewed in Southport.
The section 60 order was introduced at 6pm on Thursday and will last until 6pm on Friday, in which time Merseyside Police said extra officers would be on duty in the area to reassure the community.
Community Inspector Doug Chadwick said: “Section 60 orders are an effective tool in our efforts to protect the public from the violence and destruction the town saw on Tuesday, allowing us to stop and search people suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality.
“People living in Southport will now be used to seeing a highly visible police presence on their streets. I hope that presence is reassuring, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to our officers.
“The support of the community in Southport continues to be a huge source of comfort and strength for everyone – our officers included.
“We will continue to do keep people safe and ask that anyone with information about criminality and disorder help us in that effort by getting in touch.”
A previous order was put in place at 5pm on Wednesday for 24 hours.
Why judge identified stabbing suspect
19:40
Jane Dalton
After some posts on social media wrongly claimed the teenager suspected of the killings was a Muslim who had arrived on a small boat, Andrew Menary KC at Liverpool Crown Court gave the media the go-ahead to report his identity, reports Amy-Clare Martin:
Call for urgent crackdown on violence against women and girls
19:10
Jane Dalton
The Women’s Aid coalition has written home secretary Yvette Cooper calling for the Southport killings to be viewed as part of a wider epidemic of violence against women and girls (VAWG) that it says plagues the country, and for more action.
Activists highlighted how less than a week ago, a National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC ) report declared VAWG a national emergency.
“The VAWG sector has long been raising the alarm bells about this national threat that has not been sufficiently prioritised, addressed through the right, meaningful action or accountability, or received the investment needed to address and end it,” Women’s Aid said.
“Furthermore, while the findings of the NPCC into the scale of violence against women and girls in this country are alarming, it is important to remember that many survivors will not report their experiences to the police. The issue will, we know, be much larger than the data shows.
“The sector has welcomed the government’s mission to halve VAWG in a decade, but the wait has been too long. Urgent action needs to be taken so we do not see more senseless attacks like that in Southport on Monday.”
[1/5] Women’s Aid and 76 member organisations issue a joint letter to the Home Secretary following the Southport attack demanding it be seen as part of the wider epidemic of violence against women and girls plaguing the country.
— Women's Aid (@womensaid) August 1, 2024
Police to monitor train ticket sales and facial recognition
18:43
Jane Dalton
The new anti-violence programme will “bring together the best policing capabilities from across the country to share intelligence on the activity of violent groups so the authorities can swiftly intervene to arrest them”, Downing Street says.
“Local insight and data will be used to gain a national understanding of where these criminals are operating, including the British Transport Police alerting where they see a spike in train ticket sales that could be linked to organised violent disorder.
“It will also consider how we can deploy facial-recognition technology, which is already used by some forces, more widely across the country. This will mean criminals can be targeted, found and brought to justice quickly.”
Lib Dem leader backs Starmer
18:13
Jane Dalton
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said in response to the PM’s announcement of extra intelligence capability for police forces that riots and disorder “are never the answer”.
“I join the prime minister in condemning the extremists who have exploited this terrible tragedy to spread violence and hate, and welcome the steps taken to put an end to those horrible scenes,” he said.
“I want to thank our brave police officers who have once again put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.
“I am devastated by the horrifying attack that took three innocent young lives. My heart aches for the families of Elsie, Alice and Bebe who have suffered such an unbearable loss.
He said the love and compassion shown by communities showed the true nature of the British people.
Police put on emergency footing over far-right violence
17:59
Jane Dalton
The prime minister has put police forces in Britain on a national emergency footing to prepare for what many fear could be a summer of riots and violence by the far right:
Southport stabbings: What we know about suspect Axel Rudakubana as identity revealed
17:25
Joe Middleton
A judge has ruled that the identity of the suspect in the Southport knife attack that left three young girls dead can be revealed.
Despite suspects accused of crimes allegedly committed under the age of 18 rarely being identified, Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC ruled on Thursday that the suspect in Monday’s attack can be named as Axel Rudakubana.
Merseyside Police had previously disclosed that the suspect was a 17-year-old who was living in the Lancashire village of Banks and had been born in Cardiff.
Rioters should not pretend they are speaking for grieving families - PM
16:28
Joe Middleton
Sir Keir Starmer said “nobody but nobody” involved in rioting should “pretend they are speaking” for the grieving families as he warned: “The far right are showing who they are - we have to show who we are in response to that.”
The prime minister said: “Nobody but nobody should pretend that they are speaking for those families when they involve themselves in activity like this, because they are putting what is now the single most important thing for those families, which is to grieve properly and to have justice to which they are entitled, and that’s why this is so important.”
Asked what his message was to Muslims who may be concerned after a mosque was targeted in the disorder in Southport, he said: “In relation to the Muslim community, let me be very clear: I will take every step that’s necessary to keep you safe.
“Mosques being attacked because they’re mosques - the far right are showing who they are. We have to show who we are in response to that.”
PM announces new strategies to curb far-right violence
16:14
Joe Middleton
Sir Keir has announced a new unit to curb “violent disorder” that will involve sharing intelligence, a wider deployment of facial recognition technology and criminal behaviour orders.
He said it would work in a similar way to how football hooligans are dealt with.
We will not permit a breakdown of law and order - Starmer
16:07
Joe Middleton
Sir Keir said he has held a meeting with senior police leaders and said he will not permit a “breakdown in law and order on our streets”.
He said it is not “protest”, but is crime and “violent disorder”. Sir Keir thanked the police for standing up against “intimidation and violence”.
‘We owe them justice’ - PM
16:05
Joe Middleton
The prime minister reminds everyone not to prejudice the trial and let the investigation proceed.
He said the community of Southport “had to suffer twice” due to a “gang of thugs” who threw bricks at police officers.
Prime minister holds press conference
16:03
Joe Middleton
Sir Keir Starmer has started speaking at a press conference after earlier meeting senior police leaders over the violent unrest that has occurred over the past two nights in Southport, London and Hartlepool.
Four police officers injured and 11 people arrested in Hartlepool
15:57
Jane Dalton
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Mark Webster said there were about 150 people out in Hartlepool on Wednesday evening “committing some violent disorder”.
Speaking outside Hartlepool police station, he said four officers were injured and two required hospital treatment.
The number of arrests stood at 11 and more were expected over the next 48 hours, he said.
Call for government-funded ‘community cohesion plan'
15:35
Jane Dalton
Anti-extremism group Hope Not Hate has called for a ‘community cohesion action plan’ from the government, with funding to support communities targeted by the far right.
It says the strategy should include creating an independent Office for Social Cohesion to oversee the strategy; a plan for funding and working with local authorities, religious groups, schools and community organisations in areas “vulnerable to far-right agitation” and a tension-monitoring unit.
Sir Keir Starmer vows ‘action will be take’ after ‘violent disorder'
15:01
Tara Cobham
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed “action will be taken” following what he called “violent disorder” in parts of England in the wake of the Southport stabbings.
At a meeting in Downing Street to discuss recent violent disorder in some towns in England, the prime minister told police chiefs: “I wanted to send a message to each of you and through you, your officers, to say that this Government supports the police, supports what you are doing and to be absolutely clear: This is not protest, this is violent disorder and action will be taken.
“So, this Government will make sure you have got the powers you need and will back you in using those powers.”
Imam at Hartlepool’s Nasir Mosque praises police for protecting them
14:50
Tara Cobham
Tahir Selby, imam at Hartlepool’s Nasir Mosque, praised police for their actions in protecting them from disorder in the town on Wednesday evening.
He said at about 6.30pm police asked them to lock the gates because a march was happening in the town centre, and a night class they were running for children was brought to a halt.
He told Hits Radio: “I found out that the police had blocked the area to avoid any marches going past the mosque.
“The police did a tremendous job. We’re very grateful to them. We have a very good relationship with the police and we’re very pleased that nothing happened here.”
Mr Selby said “sadly” the march moved elsewhere in the town where there was disorder which shocked him.
He said: “I am very sorry for the police who’s done a tremendous job that they were getting the main bulk of this.”
Mr Selby did not believe the trouble was a reflection of Hartlepool and said the mosque has a good relationship with locals and they have had “very good support from people”.
Home secretary and justice secretary also arrive at 10 Downing St
14:48
Tara Cobham
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood have also arrived at 10 Downing Street for the Prime Minister’s meeting with police chiefs.
At least a dozen police chiefs arrive for meeting with prime minister
14:34
Tara Cobham
At least a dozen police chiefs have arrived for their meeting with the Prime Minister on Thursday afternoon.
The group entered 10 Downing Street and ignored questions from the gathered media about what they hoped to ask Sir Keir Starmer.
Further police chiefs are expected to arrive before the start of the meeting in at 2.30pm.
Watch: Southport volunteers clean up streets after night of far-right riot
14:31
Tara Cobham
Full story: Identity of Southport stabbing suspect revealed as he appears in court
14:25
Tara Cobham
A 17-year-old boy accused of murdering three children at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport has been named.
The Recorder of Liverpool Andrew Menary KC ruled the defendant can be named as Axel Rudakubana during a hearing on Thursday.
The teenager is also charged with ten counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article – described in court as a kitchen knife with a curved blade - following the mass stabbing on Monday.
Barney Davis covers the story from Liverpool Crown Court and Crime Correspondent Amy-Clare Martin reports:
UK must address false information spread by far right on social media, Hartlepool’s MP says
14:17
Tara Cobham
The country needs to have a conversation about false information spread by the far right on social media, Hartlepool’s MP has said.
Jonathan Brash told BBC Radio 4’s World At One programme: “The conversation we need to start having is about the way these far-right groups are disseminating false information on social media.
“Because I see it almost every single day – straight-up lies about these situations designed to cause violence, to incite racial hatred, to incite people to violence.
“We have to deal with that situation because there is so much misinformation and it’s being spread quite deliberately to stoke tension in communities and ultimately it’s the communities that are suffering as a result.”
Violent unrest overnight in Hartlepool ‘doesn’t represent us’, says local MP
14:16
Tara Cobham
Violent unrest overnight in Hartlepool “doesn’t represent us as a town”, the local MP has said.
Suggesting some of those involved in the disorder had come from out of town, Jonathan Brash told BBC Radio 4’s World At One programme: “This has clearly been co-ordinated on social media earlier in the day, so it’s not clear what the mix was in terms of who was there.
“But what’s very, very clear, and I can’t stress this enough, is the behaviour of that small minority of lawless individuals is not in any way, shape or form reflective of Hartlepool, its people, its values, most of whom have been getting in touch with me today to express their absolute disgust at what we saw on the streets last night.
“It doesn’t represent us as a town.”
Sir Keir Starmer will hold press conference after meeting with police chiefs about disorder
14:15
Tara Cobham
Sir Keir Starmer will hold a press conference at approximately 4pm on Thursday following a meeting with senior police chiefs about the disorder seen in parts of England.
The Prime Minister will speak about the gathering with policing leaders and take questions from the media, after scenes of violent unrest in London, Hartlepool and Manchester on Wednesday evening.
Rioters clashed with police in Southport on Tuesday, attacking officers and setting a van on fire, following the fatal stabbing of three children in the Lancashire town on Monday.
A 17-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article, in relation to the attack.
Defendant refuses to speak while silently rocking back and forth in dock
14:12
Tara Cobham
The defendant refused to speak to confirm his name to the judge during the brief hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday afternoon.
Dressed in a grey tracksuit and black slippers he kept his head down and silently rocked back and forth in the dock.
Judge balanced risk to defendant’s family with public interest in naming ruling
14:09
Tara Cobham
Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said he had to balance risk to the defendant's family and initial risk to him while in custody with the public interest in accurately reporting his identity to quell misinformation fuelling disorder.
He said: "By continuing to prevent full reporting at this stage has the disadvantage of allowing others who are up to mischief to continue to spread misinformation in a vacuum and runs the risk that when the information becomes publicly available in six days' time, that will provide an additional excuse for a fresh round of public disorder.
"Allowing full reporting will undoubtedly remove some of the misreporting as to the identity of the defendant."
Defendant left court building in police convoy to jeers from crowds
14:06
Tara Cobham
The defendant left the court building in a police convoy to jeers from a small crowds that had gathered in the street.
A number of people shouted as the prison van pulled out of the complex, with a number of police vehicles escorting.
More than 30 police officers lined the edges of pavement as the convoy left and others stopped the traffic on the main road past Liverpool’s docks.
In pictures: Police at Axel Rudakubana’s home this week
13:44
Tara Cobham
Younger photo of triple murder suspect Axel Rudakubana revealed
13:21
Tara Cobham
Suspect’s name released to avoid allowing spread of ‘misinformation in a vacuum’, says judge
13:18
Tara Cobham
A judge has said the Southport stabbing suspect’s name has been released to avoid allowing the spread of “misinformation in a vacuum”.
Axel Rudakubana’s identity had previously not been revealed due to his age. However, a judge overturned reporting restrictions at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.
The suspect is due to turn 18 next Wednesday.
Removing reporting restrictions, the Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said: "Continuing to prevent the full reporting has the disadvantage of allowing others to spread misinformation, in a vacuum."
He added: "Whilst I accept it is exceptional given his age, principally because he is 18 in six days time I do not make an order under section 45."
In pictures: Triple murder suspect Axel Rudakubana appears in court on Thursday
13:00
Tara Cobham
Axel Rudakubana is further remanded in youth detention accommodation
12:50
Tara Cobham
Axel Rudakubana, 17, of Banks, Lancashire has been further remanded in youth detention accommodation.
It follows his appearance at Liverpool Crown Court charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article following the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday.
Southport triple murder suspect named
12:31
Tara Cobham
A 17-year-old boy who is charged with the murders of three girls killed in the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport has been named.
The suspect can be identified as Axel Rudakubana, the Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC ruled at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday afternoon.
The teenager, from Banks in Lancashire, was charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder, and possession of a bladed article.
More than 110 arrests made at far-right protest in London, say police
12:17
Tara Cobham
More than 110 arrests were made at the far-right protest in London on Wednesday evening, the Metropolitan Police has said.
In an update issued on Thursday afternoon, the force said 111 arrests were made after it “became clear very early in the evening that many of those attending had no intention of acting peacefully”.
Officers were attacked and subjected to assault, abuse and violent disorder, with bottles and flares thrown at them. One was injured after being punched in the chest and another was hurt after being kicked multiple times.
The arrests were made over offences that included violent disorder, assaults on emergency workers, possession of knives and offensive weapons – such as knives, a catapult with ammunition, and nunchucks – and breach of protest conditions.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist: “Last night our officers faced unacceptable scenes of disorder and violence, as others across the country have done in recent days. They acted with great courage and the highest levels of professionalism in the face of hateful behaviour.
“All our thoughts should be with the victims and families of those impacted by the most dreadful attack in Southport. It is shameful that some have sought to exploit this tragedy as justification for their own violence and criminality.
“There is absolutely no place for this on our streets. We will ensure that anyone involved in any violent disorder and criminal behaviour will be stopped, arrested and will face justice.”
Campaign group condemns far-right for ‘capitalising on Monday’s attack to spread hate’
12:12
Tara Cobham
Anti-fascist campaign group HOPE not hate has condemned the far-right for “capitalising on the awful attack on Monday to spread hate” following the protests on Wednesday evening.
Joe Mulhall, Director of Research at HOPE not hate, said: “What started as an event in direct response to the attack on Monday is now widening out to unrest around the country in places like London, Aldershot and Hartlepool.
“Far-right figures such as Tommy Robinson are capitalising on the awful attack on Monday to spread hate. It’s clear that some of these people are claiming the attack on Monday is proof that multiculturalism has failed.
“While disinformation likely played a role in the target of Tuesday's riot in Southport, the disturbances since are more motivated by racial and anti-migrant ideologies.”
Suspect accused of possessing kitchen knife with curved blade, court told
12:05
Tara Cobham
The suspect in the Southport stabbings is accused of possessing a kitchen knife with a curved blade, a court has been told.
The defendant appeared in the dock earlier wearing a grey tracksuit and black slippers at the brief hearing at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court.
He looked at the row of reporters sat behind the glass dock before he was asked to sit down.
The 17-year-old used his left hand to pull his sweatshirt over his face above his nose and kept his head low during the five-minute hearing, in which he did not speak.
Leanne Lucas and John Hayes injured in stabbing remain in critical condition, court hears
12:02
Tara Cobham
The two adults, Leanne Lucas and John Hayes, who were critically injured in the Southport stabbings remain in a critical condition, a court has heard.
The suspect was charged with the attempted murder of yoga class instructor Mr Lucas and businessman Mr Hayes.
He was also charged with 8 more counts of attempted murder, three counts of murder, and possession of a bladed article.
Clean-up operation began in Hartlepool just hours after disorder broke out
11:23
Tara Cobham
A clean-up operation began in Hartlepool just hours after disorder broke out in terraced streets close to the town centre.
Council workers were joined by volunteers in sweeping away the debris of bricks and bottles.
Staff at a traditional butchers – possibly targeted by yobs who wanted to steal eggs to throw – swept away glass from the badly damaged shop front.
A police car which was destroyed when it was set alight had already been removed from the street where it was torched by 10am.
Two children injured in stabbing attack are discharged from hospital
11:18
Tara Cobham
Two of the children who were injured in Monday’s knife attack in Southport have been discharged from hospital.
In an update issued on Thursday morning, Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are delighted that two of the children involved in Monday’s awful incident have now been discharged.
“We continue to treat five children involved in the devastating incident in Southport on Monday, including one recently transferred to us from Aintree University Hospital.
“All the children in our care are currently in a stable condition.
“Our heartfelt sympathies remain with all those affected by Monday’s incident.”
‘Petrified’ local wants to move out of Hartlepool after witnessing rioting
11:01
Tara Cobham
A “petrified” local resident has said she now wants to move out of Hartlepool after witnessing the rioting in the town overnight.
Watching from her upstairs window, Claire Dickson, 39, said a protest started peacefully “but it just got out of hand” as children and adults threw eggs, bottles and bricks at the police.
She said people shouted the name of right-wing activist Tommy Robinson and “save our children”.
Ms Dickson said a mosque came under attack as police tried to keep protesters away, adding that she was petrified.
She said she feared there will be further disorder and said she did not feel safe in the town, adding: “If you have been here as long as we have, you will know that this is not the end of it. It will happen again and again.”
Asked how she felt the morning after the violence, she said: “Petrified, I want to move out of the area.”
Hartlepool’s MP ‘appalled’ by disorder in town overnight
10:57
Tara Cobham
Hartlepool’s Labour MP Jonathan Brash said he was “appalled” by the disorder in the town on Wednesday night.
Speaking on Murray Street, where a clean-up operation was taking place, he told the PA news agency: “Businesses had their windows smashed, cars burnt out, this behaviour doesn’t represent the Hartlepool people.
“I know people will wake up and be absolutely appalled by what they see on social media and elsewhere.
“The police have done a fantastic job, I will speak again to them today about what we do going forward to ensure that this won’t happen again.”
Watch: Southport stabbing suspect arriving at Liverpool court charged with murder of children
10:40
Tara Cobham
Teenage Southport stabbing suspect appears in court accused of murdering three girls
10:39
Barney Davis in Liverpool and Crime Correspondent Amy-Clare Martin
A 17-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with the murders of three children at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is also charged with ten counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article following the mass stabbing on Monday.
Six-year-old Bebe King and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe were pronounced dead shortly after the incident, while nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar died from her injuries in hospital on Tuesday.
Here’s the full story:
Suspect remanded into youth detention after appearing in court
10:34
Tara Cobham
A 17-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with the murder of three girls who were stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
He has been remanded into youth detention accommodation after appearing at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article following the attack on Monday.
The teenager, who cannot be legally named due to his age, will appear at Liverpool Crown Court later on Thursday.
Former footballer Steven Gerrard donates £10,000 to stabbings victims
10:30
Tara Cobham
Former England and Liverpool footballer Steven Gerrard has donated £10,000 to the victims of the stabbings at a holiday club in Southport.
The former Reds captain’s donation to the Southport Dance Group Emergency Fund GoFundMe page follows another £10,000 pledge by former Everton star Anthony Gordon, now of Newcastle United.
The Merseyside footballers’ donations mean over £69,000 has now been raised on the page, which was launched “on behalf of preschool dance companies in the UK” and is pledged to go directly to families affected by Monday’s attack.
Several officers injured in Hartlepool as Cleveland Police Federation condemns disorder
10:13
Tara Cobham
Cleveland Police Federation has condemned the disorder in Hartlepool on Wednesday night which saw several officers injured.
Federation chairman Paul Crowley said: “The disorder seen in Hartlepool last night was utterly deplorable and saw several officers requiring hospital treatment for their injuries.
“Police officers should never have to face such brutality, and every officer deserves to go home safely to their families without fear of suffering serious injury or worse.
“I condemn these disgraceful acts of mindless violence, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice.
“The Cleveland Police Federation will continue to support all officers involved, including those from neighbouring forces.”
In pictures: Damage in Hartlepool after violent protest broke out overnight
10:02
Tara Cobham
Mindless violence and senseless attacks on officers 'must stop now', Police Federation warns
10:00
Andy Gregory
The Police Federation has demanded that "mindless violence" and "senseless attacks" on police officers "must stop now".
“It is disgusting and unforgiveable that mindless thugs appear to be using the tragic killing of three young girls earlier this week as an excuse for random acts of violence and disorder," Brian Booth, acting deputy chief of the group representing rank-and-file officers, told The Independent.
"There have been senseless attacks on my colleagues in Merseyside, and now we see the same spreading to other parts of the country. It is a disgrace that police officers, who are just doing their job trying to keep communities safe and protect life and property, are coming under attack.
"What is needed now is calm to allow the families and communities affected by this week’s horrific killings to slowly come to terms with this tragedy. Not mindless violence. This must stop, and it must stop now.”
Boy, 17, ‘arrives at court’ to face murder charges over Southport deaths
09:36
Tara Cobham
A 17-year-old boy appears to have arrived at court to face charges of murdering three girls who were fatally stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
A white prison van arrived at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court at around 9.30am on Thursday flanked by a large escort of police vehicles.
The teenager, from Banks in Lancashire, has been charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article and is due in the dock later on Thursday morning.
He cannot be named as he is under 18.
