Police said 22 people were injured when far-right protesters violently clashed with the cops near a mosque in northwest English town of Southport on Tuesday, a day after three girls were killed in a stabbing incident in the same region.
This was one of the worst attacks against children registered in the country.
“Of those, eight sustained serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion,” police said in a statement giving details about the condition of cops injured in the violence.
“Other officers have suffered varying degrees of injury including head injuries, serious facial injuries and one was knocked unconscious,” police said.
The people involved have also set cars belonging to members of the public alight, thrown bricks at the local Mosque and damaged a local convenience store, and set wheelie bins on fire.
Three police dogs have also been injured.
“Police Dogs Zoe and Ike have sustained leg injuries from bricks thrown at them. A third dog, PD Quga, who was bitten, strangled and kicked by an offender at the beginning of this month, has tonight suffered burns to her back leg,” the statement said.
As a result of the disorder, a 24-hour Section 60 Order has been introduced in the area, running from 19.54 pm today and extra officers will remain in the area to provide a visible presence to reassure communities.
The Order, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, gives officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals in the area and is designed to minimise serious violence.
A Section 34 Order has also been introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, giving officers powers to direct people who are engaging in antisocial behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents.
These powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area and going about their daily business.
Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.
“Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for,” police said.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “Tonight, Merseyside Police has faced serious violence in Southport and I am so proud to have witnessed off-duty officers (many of whom had not long finished a full shift) parade back on duty to support their colleagues who had displayed such courage whilst under constant and sustained attack. I would also like to thank officers from Greater Manchester Police, Cheshire Police, Lancashire Police and North Wales Police who also provided mutual aid and support.
“Sadly, offenders have destroyed garden walls so they could use the bricks to attack our officers and have set cars belonging to the public on fire, and damaged cars parked in the Mosque car park.
“This is no way to treat a community, least of all a community that is still reeling from the events of Monday.
“We would appeal to anyone who has information or video footage of those involved in this shocking behaviour to come forward so we can identify and arrest those responsible.
“Anyone with information can DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The incident happened a day after a 17-year-old teen was arrested on suspicion of stabbing to death three children who were attending a Taylor Swift-themed event at a dance school.
Merseyside Police on Tuesday revealed the names of the three girls as Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.
“Eight other children suffered stab wounds sustained during the attack, and five of them are in a critical condition,” police said in a statement.
Apart from he violent protest, a peaceful vigil was held in the area to remember those who died in the stabbing incident.
Which group is believed to be behind the violence?
Merseyside Police said: “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.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said those behind the violence will feel the full force of law.
“Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves,” he posted on X.
