Protesters clashed with police and set fires in Sunderland, a northeastern English city, on Friday as unrest spread to another northern area following the tragic killing of three children in Southport on Monday.
Anti-immigrant demonstrators hurled stones at police in riot gear near a mosque, overturned vehicles, ignited a car, and started a fire next to a police office, according to the BBC.
Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Helena Barron stated, “The safety of the public is our top priority, and when we learned of a planned protest, we increased the police presence in the city.” She added, “During the evening, officers faced severe and sustained violence, which is completely unacceptable.”
Three police officers were hospitalized, and eight individuals have been arrested for charges including violent disorder and burglary, Barron noted.
The Sunderland protest was part of a series of anti-immigration demonstrations planned across the UK over the weekend, including near at least two mosques in Liverpool, the nearest city to where the children were killed.
Several counter-protests against racism were also scheduled. British police increased their presence nationwide, and mosques were enhancing security measures, according to officials.
A 17-year-old boy, Axel Rudakubana, has been charged with the murder of the girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport, a crime that has deeply shocked the nation.
Subsequent violence erupted in Southport, Hartlepool, and London, fueled by false social media claims that the stabbing suspect was a Muslim migrant. Police have clarified that Rudakubana was born in Britain.
On Friday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Southport again, expressing solidarity with those affected by the attack. “As a nation, we stand with those who have lost loved ones in this dreadful attack, which has deeply shaken our community,” he said.
British police leaders have committed to deploying additional officers over the weekend to prevent further violence. Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, stated, “We will have enhanced intelligence, briefings, and resources available in local communities, with additional prosecutors ready to ensure swift justice.”
The Muslim Council of Britain reported heightened alert levels at mosques across the country, with representatives from hundreds of mosques agreeing to increase security following threatening and abusive phone calls. Zara Mohammed, the council’s secretary general, mentioned, “There is a sense within the community to remain cautious but resolute.“
In Southport, where protests earlier in the week saw attacks on police, vehicle fires, and brick-throwing at a mosque, police are prepared with extensive plans and resources to manage any further disorder.
In Northern Ireland, authorities are also preparing a “proportionate policing response” in anticipation of planned roadblocks, protests, and a march to an Islamic Centre in Belfast over the weekend.
