At least 39 police officers have been injured in clashes outside a mosque in Southport, as angry crowds of suspected English Defence League supporters threw bricks and set off fireworks.
The unrest followed a peaceful vigil for the victims of Monday’s shocking attack in which multiple children were stabbed – three fatally – in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
A police van was set on fire on Tuesday night while men in balaclavas were pushed back by officers, with 27 officers requiring hospital treatment.
Earlier, Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “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.”
The three young girls killed in Monday’s tragic knife attack have been named as Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.
Eight other children suffered stab wounds and at least two are still in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were critically injured.
Armed police detained 17-year-old boy from Banks and seized a knife in connection with the stabbings, which is not suspected to be terror-related.
Have you been affected by this incident? Email athena.stavrou@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Riot police have stand-off with protesters
- Mob thought to be EDL supporters, police say
- Rioters will face full force of the law, says Starmer
- Three victims named by Merseyside Police
- ‘These were just little kids at a dance class’: Taylor Swift releases moving statement
Starmer: Rioters will feel full force of law
04:41
Namita Singh
Sir Keir Starmer said rioters in Southport on Tuesday evening had “hijacked” a vigil for victims and would “feel the full force of the law”.
Writing on X, Sir Keir said: “The people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday.
“They deserve our support and our respect. Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves.”
Home secretary Yvette Cooper described the rioting outside a mosque in Southport as “violent attacks from thugs on the streets”, which she branded “appalling”.
Ms Cooper told broadcasters that she saw a community “coming together” during her visit to Southport on Tuesday, and thanked police for their “heroism”.
She added: “That is why it is so appalling to now see those same police facing violent attacks from thugs on the streets who have no respect for a grieving community.
“It is a total disgrace. Frankly, this is a time when everyone should be showing respect for a community and for the police.”
At least 39 police officers injured in Southport
04:27
Namita Singh
The number of police officers injured in last night’s Southport riots has risen to 39, according to emergency services.
The unrest began after a peaceful vigil for the victims of Monday’s knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in the Merseyside seaside town.
Merseyside Police said “a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defence League” - began to throw items towards a local mosque at around 7.45pm, before clashes erupted with police.
Prime minister Keir Starmer said the rioters in Southport on Tuesday evening had “hijacked” a vigil for victims and would “feel the full force of the law”.
North West Ambulance Service said in an update on Twitter that 37 officers were hurt during the violent disorder, of whom 27 were taken to hospital while 12 were treated and discharged at the scene.
The ambulance service said its personnel finally stood down from the major incident at 1.25am.
The shocking events at Southport brought a wave of familiar dread – here’s what I want the families to know
03:00
Holly Evans
Police riot vans and officers attend Southport stabbing scene as large crowds gather near mosque
02:00
Holly Evans
Rioters will face full force of the law, says Starmer
01:24
Joe Middleton
Violence against police in Southport after three girls were killed in a knife attack has been condemned, as Sir Keir Starmer said rioters would “feel the full force of the law”.
The prime minister said rioters in Southport on Tuesday evening had “hijacked” a vigil for victims and would “feel the full force of the law”.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Sir Keir said: “The people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday.
“They deserve our support and our respect. Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves.”
The people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 30, 2024
They deserve our support and our respect.
Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves.
They will feel the full force…
Major incident declared as 22 police officers treated by ambulance service
01:21
Joe Middleton
The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has declared a major incident after 22 police officers have been treated for injuries and 11 of those officers have been taken to hospital.
In a series of tweets, NWAS said: “This evening we have been responding to the disturbance on St Luke’s Road in Southport, following a protest. A high number of resources, including 10 ambulances, on-call doctors, and our hazardous area response team (HART) attended the scene.
“We have treated 22 police officers and so far, 11 of those have been taken to hospital. Due to the high number of resources required at scene and the ongoing disturbance, NWAS declared a major incident at approximately 23:00. Follow @MerseyPolice for the latest updates.”
This evening we have been responding to the disturbance on St Luke’s Road in Southport, following a protest.
— North West Ambulance Service (@NWAmbulance) July 30, 2024
A high number of resources, including 10 ambulances, on-call doctors, and our hazardous area response team (HART) attended the scene.
We have treated 22 police officers and so far, 11 of those have been taken to hospital.
— North West Ambulance Service (@NWAmbulance) July 30, 2024
Due to the high number of resources required at scene and the ongoing disturbance, NWAS declared a major incident at approximately 23:00.
Follow @MerseyPolice for the latest updates.
Everything we know about Southport stabbing as three children killed
01:00
Holly Evans
Three children have been killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.
A nine-year-old girl has become the third victim, with Merseyside Police saying the youngster died in the early hours of Tuesday morning following the deaths of two other girls, aged six and seven.
Five other children remain in critical condition in hospital with stab injuries, while two adults who are believed to have tried to protect the young victims remain critically ill.
Read the full article here:
Police issue update on riots in Southport
Tuesday 30 July 2024 23:50
Tom Watling
APPEAL | A number of officers have been injured, cars set alight & a shop broken into & looted in Southport this evening. This is completely unacceptable. We're gathering evidence & those responsible will be brought to justice. If you have footage of those involved DM @MerPolCC pic.twitter.com/fKmyWG6o7K
— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) July 30, 2024
Bricks and bottles hurled at police in Southport as ugly scenes unfold
Tuesday 30 July 2024 23:35
Tom Watling
Masked men throw wheeling bins and debris at police
Tuesday 30 July 2024 23:15
Tom Watling
More fires break out near riot
Tuesday 30 July 2024 23:05
Tom Watling
Fires have broken out across streets close to the centre of the riot pic.twitter.com/HeTgDjJxon
— Ben Roberts-Haslam (@benhaslm) July 30, 2024
Here are some of the latest photos from Southport
Tuesday 30 July 2024 22:55
Tom Watling
Below are some of the latest photos dropping on the wires from Southport, where groups of far-right men were attacking police earlier today.
Home sec issues statement on riots in Southport
Tuesday 30 July 2024 22:32
Tom Watling
Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP's full statement on the violence and disorder in Southport. pic.twitter.com/eKvFzIRIoz
— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) July 30, 2024
Situation outside mosque appears to calm down
Tuesday 30 July 2024 21:49
Holly Evans
The situation outside the mosque appeared to have calmed down as dark descended, with numbers on the street having thinned.
Two more fires, which appear to be wheelie bins, had been set alight.
One man shouted at the police line: “Why didn’t you get the riot squad out in Leeds?”
Local MP 'deeply concerned' by riot
Tuesday 30 July 2024 21:45
Holly Evans
In a statement on X, the local MP for Southport Patrick Hurley says he “fully condemns any attack” on emergency services, and urged local residents to stay safe.
— Patrick Hurley (@patrick_hurley) July 30, 2024
Police commissioner says violence is ‘completely unacceptable’
Tuesday 30 July 2024 21:34
Holly Evans
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell has responded to the violence in Southport this evening by condemning the “abhorrent” behaviour of those involved.
In a post on social media, she said: “I am absolutely appalled by the disgraceful scenes of violence in Southport tonight.
“This is a community which has faced unimaginable tragedy, and it is grieving. Such behaviour is abhorrent and only causes further harm and suffering.
“Officers are working around the clock to get justice for the families. It is completely unacceptable that they – and the wider community - are now being put in danger by those who would bring violence and disorder to our streets.”
Merseyside Police chief condemns violence from ‘thugs’
Tuesday 30 July 2024 21:30
Holly Evans
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy posted on X: “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.”
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 https://t.co/qqIhn7MVZ6
— Chief Con Serena Kennedy KPM (@merpolchiefcon) July 30, 2024
Flames engulf police van as Southport protesters clash with officers outside mosque
Tuesday 30 July 2024 21:26
Holly Evans
In pictures: Masked thugs throw missiles at riot police
Tuesday 30 July 2024 21:15
Holly Evans
Police arrest man with a knife near vigil for victims of stabbing
Tuesday 30 July 2024 21:12
Holly Evans
Merseyside Police arrested a man and seized a flick knife after receiving a report at 6.50pm that he had been seen with a weapon on Eastbank Street.
No one was injured and the 32-year-old man from Standish was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article, and taken into custody.
Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: “We know too well the devastating impact knife crime can have for victims, their families and friends, and those who carry them.
“This week has seen an unspeakable tragedy unfold in Southport, and this incident occurred a short distance from where a vigil had been happening where the community was paying their respects to all those affected.
“Officers made a swift arrest and have seized a knife that could have been used to cause harm in our communities.
“Those offenders who carry them have no place whatsoever in our communities.
Police clear area outside mosque as masked youths throw bricks
Tuesday 30 July 2024 21:10
Holly Evans
Riot police have cleared the area directly outside the mosque and were standing guard with batons raised.
A police van was blazing behind them, with black smoke filling the air.
Masked youths were scouring the ground for bricks littering the floor to throw at lines of officers.
Heavy thuds were heard as the vans took hits and police raised their shields against incoming missiles.
Police van seen on fire outside mosque
Tuesday 30 July 2024 21:01
Holly Evans
Police constable says violent scenes are ‘sickening'
Tuesday 30 July 2024 21:00
Holly Evans
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 endeavor 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 behavior.”
Statement from Merseyside Police says officer has suffered suspected broken nose
Tuesday 30 July 2024 20:53
Holly Evans
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police 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.”
Police riot vans and officers attend Southport stabbing scene
Tuesday 30 July 2024 20:46
Holly Evans
Protest outside mosque descends into chaos just hour after vigil
Tuesday 30 July 2024 20:45
Tara Cobham, in Southport
Just an hour after a peaceful vigil was held to pay tribute to the victims killed, a protest outside a mosque near the crime scene on Hart Street has descended into chaos.
Hundreds of angry yobs, some wearing balaclavas, have been seen throwing bricks and bottles at police officers, with helicopters deployed.
Riot police have now descended on the scene, while angry shouts can be heard and a van attempting to make its way through the crowd.
Fireworks have been set off and loose masonry has been thrown as a number of officers are believed to have sustained minor injuries.
With more cars and protesters joining the crowds, it is clear that Merseyside Police face a growing crisis just a day after the tragic stabbing which took the lives of three children.
Police van set on fire as disorder continues
Tuesday 30 July 2024 20:41
Holly Evans
A police van appears to have been set on fire in Southport.
Footage on social media showed large flames billowing around the vehicle.
It came after protesters clashed with police wielding riot shields and batons.
Riot police have stand-off with protesters
Tuesday 30 July 2024 20:38
Holly Evans
Video on social media showed more police arriving in Southport, where officers with riot shields are in a stand-off with protesters.
Some police officers were seen walking through crowds with police dogs towards lines of officers who are stood in front of police vans.
Debris can be seen on the ground around the vans while police have been using their shields to deflect missiles thrown from the crowds.
Police helicopters at the scene
Tuesday 30 July 2024 20:29
Holly Evans
Police helicopters have been seen circling the sky around Hart Street, where hundreds of protesters have gathered outside a mosque nearby.
Our reporter Tara Cobham, who is at the scene, reports that shouts of “English till I die!” have been heard, while videos show bricks and bottles being thrown amid chaotic scenes.
Police officers appear to have suffered minor injuries
Tuesday 30 July 2024 20:14
Holly Evans
Some police officers have suffered what appeared to be minor injuries in chaotic scenes outside the mosque in Southport.
Officers have now put on 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 men, many wearing masks and hoodies, were in a running battle with officers outside the mosque as more police arrived.
Photos emerge of protest outside mosque in Southport
Tuesday 30 July 2024 20:13
Holly Evans
Our correspondent Tara Cobham is at the scene outside a mosque in Southport, just 10 minutes from where the stabbing took place on Hart Street.
She reports that men have been seen throwing bottles and bricks with fireworks set off, while Merseyside Police attempt to maintain control and order.
Thousands bring Southport to a standstill for vigil
Tuesday 30 July 2024 20:08
Holly Evans
Crowd gathers outside Southport mosque in protest
Tuesday 30 July 2024 20:05
Holly Evans
A large crowd has gathered outside a mosque in Southport as tensions run high in the town following the knife attack.
Police riot vans and officers are standing guard outside the building, amid chants of “No surrender!” and “English till I die!” from sections of the crowd.
Hundreds of youths and men and a large police presence remain on the streets surrounding Hart Street, where the attack took place.
Fundraiser for victims raises more than £200k
Tuesday 30 July 2024 19:54
Holly Evans
An online fundraising page set up by Taylor Swift fans for victims of the stabbing attack has raised more than £216,000.
Cristina Jones and Holly Goldring started the page to ease the “financial burden” on the families involved and are liaising with Alder Hey Hospital.
“What compelled us was we were thinking about the fact that these families are going through just unimaginable hell right now,” Ms Jones said.
“I firmly believe there’s nothing we can do to make the families feel better because of what they’re going through right now, but if we’ve taken some sort of burden from them, financial or whatever, it’s nice to know that we’ve done what we can do.”
Portuguese prime minister sends his condolences
Tuesday 30 July 2024 19:40
Holly Evans
The Portuguese prime minister is the latest to send his condolences following the attack in Southport yesterday.
One of the victims, nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, was a Portuguese national from Madeira.
“It was with deep sadness that I received the news on the attack that yesterday took place in Southport in the United Kingdom, and for which I have no words to describe,” he said on X.
“On my behalf and on that of the Portuguese government and people I express heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the British government and people.”
It was with deep sadness that I received the news on the attack that yesterday took place in Southport in the United Kingdom, and for which I have no words to describe. On my behalf and on that of the Portuguese Government and People I express heartfelt condolences to the…
— Luís Montenegro (@LMontenegropm) July 30, 2024
Sefton Central MP pays tribute to three children killed
Tuesday 30 July 2024 19:28
Holly Evans
The MP for Sefton Central paid tribute to the children killed in the Southport stabbing attack.
Bill Esterson told the Commons: “This is about Bebe, it is about Elsie and it is about Alice.
“It’s about three young children who were murdered and the Prime Minister talked about a collective trauma for the people of Merseyside, and I think that is exactly what is going on – my constituents are reflecting it, as are the people in Southport.
“Can I then pass on the thanks of my constituents to the emergency services for their response – the fact that they are back at work today? As the Home Secretary said, and shadow home secretary said, to those local people who intervened as well?”
Sefton Central neighbours the Southport constituency, which is represented by Patrick Hurley, who MPs heard is spending Tuesday evening at a vigil for the victims.
Mr Esterson praised the “overwhelming sense of love and support” seen at the vigil, in messages and in floral tributes from across the country, adding: “That is the appropriate way to support those victims and their grieving loved ones this evening.”
In pictures: Vigil sees Southport residents united in grief
Tuesday 30 July 2024 19:17
Holly Evans
James Cleverly warns against ‘misinformation’ online
Tuesday 30 July 2024 19:06
Holly Evans
Shadow home secretary James Cleverly has called for people not to “get involved in the grief of others” by sharing misinformation relating to the Southport attack on social media.
He told MPs: “This was a heinous attack on innocent children and those caring for them at the start of the summer holidays. It has left, no doubt, families broken and a community scarred.”
Mr Cleverly thanked emergency responders and NHS staff, adding: “Particular thanks go to the members of the public who intervened to help despite the very significant danger to themselves. Their bravery cannot be overstated.
“We still know little about the details of what happened yesterday and (Ms Cooper) is absolutely right, that we give the police the time to do a proper and thorough investigation, and she is also right to highlight the impact of misinformation and disinformation online.
“Enough people are already distressed without their distress being amplified by speculation and gossip online.”
He added: “It is also a reminder to all of us that we have a personal responsibility to check before we share and do not feel the need to get involved in the grief of others.”
The shadow home secretary concluded: “I want to finish by, of course, saying that our hearts go out to the three young girls who have lost their lives – Bebe, Elsie and Alice.
“We cannot imagine what their families are going through now and I know the whole House will join the Home Secretary and me in expressing our condolences to them.”
Home secretary praises the heroism of emergency workers
Tuesday 30 July 2024 18:57
Holly Evans
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper praised the emergency services for their “heroic professionalism” in responding to the incident, telling the Commons: “Aided by passers-by, NHS workers and off-duty emergency workers who heard the calls of distress and ran to help.
“As a police officer said to me when we spoke, they do these jobs knowing they can be called upon in the toughest of times, but nothing still can prepare you for an attack on little children.”
Ms Cooper said the emergency workers returned to work as they wanted to be “out in their own community, continuing to serve and support the people of Southport”, adding: “That is public service at its very best.”
Yvette Cooper says the start of summer has turned into ‘unspeakable tragedy’
Tuesday 30 July 2024 18:48
Holly Evans
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has described the stabbing in Southport as an “unspeakable tragedy”.
In a House of Commons statement, she told MPs: “It’s difficult to comprehend or to put into words the horror of what happened.
“These were young children, dancing to Taylor Swift and celebrating the start of the school holidays.
“What should have been a joyful start to the summer turned into an unspeakable tragedy.
“Three young children have lost their lives – Bebe King, age six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, age seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine.”
Ms Cooper also read a tribute by Alice’s family: “Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do, our princess.”
Bebe was one of the ‘brightest and most wonderful shining stars’, says school
Tuesday 30 July 2024 18:38
Holly Evans
Natasha Sandland, headteacher of Marshside Primary School, has paid tribute to Southport attack victim Bebe King, six.
She said: “Words cannot do justice to describe the grief and upset our Marshside community are feeling today.
“We are deeply saddened by the awful news that we have lost one of our brightest and most wonderful shining stars in Bebe.
“Right now our focus is on supporting Bebe’s family and her friends, our staff and our community who have been left numb by this tragic incident.
“We send our love to all those who have been affected by what happened and we would like to reiterate calls to protect the privacy of all families involved at this difficult time.
“As a school community, we will be grieving together as we stand with others in Southport. Rest in peace Bebe.”