Iran Press/Europe: Riots involving hundreds of far-right anti-immigration protesters have erupted in several towns and cities in recent days after false information spread rapidly on social media that the suspect in Monday’s knife attack at a dance class for children in Southport was a Muslim immigrant.
Police have said the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, 17, was born in Cardiff, Wales, but protests by anti-immigration and anti-Muslim demonstrators have continued, descending into violence and rioting, including in the northeastern city of Sunderland on Friday evening.
Demonstrators threw chairs, flares and bricks at officers in the northwestern English city of Liverpool, while scuffles between police and protesters broke out in nearby Manchester.
Merseyside Police said “a number of officers have been injured as they deal with serious disorder” in Liverpool city centre.
In Belfast, Northern Ireland, fireworks were thrown amid tense exchanges between an anti-Muslim group and an anti-racism rally.
At protests in London, police arrested several people including one for making a Nazi salute towards a counter-protester.
Mosques across the country have been advised to strengthen security, while police have deployed extra officers.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing his first big test since being elected a month ago, has condemned the “far right” for the violence and backed police to take strong action.
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UK Police Arrest Dozens Amid Violent Protests Following Stabbing Attack
