The mother of one of three girls killed in a mass stabbing in Southport has taken to social media to urge people to “end the violence”.
A crowd of men, many wearing masks and hoodies, engaged in a battle with police officers outside a mosque in the Merseyside city on Tuesday night.
Shouts of “English until you die” were heard before the violence began, in which at least 50 police officers were injured.
Police said they believed the group of people supported the English Defense League
Tuesday night’s clashes occurred after false claims spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat.
Latest Southport stabbings: Farage accused of ‘increasing hate’
Debris is removed from a wall damaged after the riots. Photo: PA
A police community support officer helps with the cleanup on Wednesday. Photo: PA
The group descended on Southport as it was already recovering the knife attack that left three children dead – with a peaceful vigil also held in the early evening.
Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were stabbed to death outside a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday.
Police have confirmed that a 17-year-old arrested for the attack was born in Wales.
The teenager, who has not been named due to his age, remains in custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, and police have had more time to question him.
Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King. Photo: Merseyside Police
‘Stop the violence’
Elsie’s mother took to social media on Tuesday night to urge people to “stop the violence” in Southport.
She said: “This is the only thing I will write, but please stop the violence in Southport tonight.
“The police have been nothing but heroic over the last 24 hours and they and we don’t need this.”
In addition to the three children who died, eight other young people suffered stab wounds and five are in critical condition, in addition to two adults who were also seriously injured, police said.
Violent clashes with police in Southport on Tuesday
‘Nothing better than Tommy Robinson in a suit’
Nigel Farage was criticized over claims he had “incited” protesters in Southport with the Reform UK leader labeled “nothing better than Tommy Robinson in a suit”.
Farage doubled down on comments made on social media, where he questioned “whether the truth is being hidden from us” after the attack.
The newly elected MP has received strong criticism, including from Brendan Cox, husband of murdered MP Jo Cox.
Cox told BBC Radio Four’s Today program that Farage’s comments made him “no better than a Tommy Robinson in a suit”.
He added: “It is unacceptable to use a time like this to spread your narrative and spread your hate, and we saw the results on the streets of Southport last night.”
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But Farage defended his position and insisted he “just expressed a sense of sadness and concern that is being felt by absolutely everyone I know – ‘what the hell is going on?'”
Woman confronts protesters
Store owner Chanaka Balasuryla said the Southport community has rallied around him since his store was looted during the disorder.
He called 999 after spotting men trying to break into the CCTV cameras at his home, five minutes away.
Shopkeeper looted Chanaka Balasuryla. Photo: PA
Balasuryla said he was “terrified” when he thought they were going to burn down the property, as there was a woman and daughter living in the apartment above.
But he said he later discovered the woman confronted the intruders, telling them it was her store, in an attempt to stop them.
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Thousands attend vigil in honor of girls killed in attack
Police injured in disorder outside mosque
A police van was set on fire during the riots on Tuesday night
Police said they believe the group of people behind the riots were supporters of the English Defense League.
He added that local people said they would defend their store if necessary.
“It was scary last night,” he said. “But I feel safe again because people are here to protect us.”
Residents left to clean
On Wednesday morning, dozens of residents were outside the Southport mosque with brushes and shovels to clean.
Firefighters were also seen filling buckets of water for flowers left in honor of the victims of the attack.
The Windsor Mini Mart was one of several stores targeted during the riots. Photo: PA
Southport residents cleaned their streets after riots on Tuesday night
Norman Wallis, chief executive of Southport Pleasureland, was among those who helped.
He said: “It’s horrible what those hooligans did last night. It was like a war scene. People from out of town caused absolute chaos.
“Hooded people climbing poles, throwing bricks, set fire to a police car.
“But none of those people were the people of Southport. The people of Southport are the ones here today cleaning up the mess.
“Those people from out of town – they came in buses and cars and changed their clothes. They just started rioting and doing this.”
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‘Many good friends’
Ten-year-old Imogen Povey said she knew one of the victims from spending a few weeks together at drama club – where they became “good friends”.
Imogen described the girl as “very kind and caring” and said “she was there to help everyone, [even] if they were upset…” and added that he loved dancing.
His mother, Helen, when asked about the riots and unrest that followed, said: “It’s just horrible. People paying tribute and there’s just no reason for it. It shouldn’t have happened.”
Imogen Povey (left) and her mother Helen (right)
More than 50 police officers injured
Merseyside Police Federation chairman Chris McGlade said more than 50 officers were injured in the “sustained and vicious attack”.
He added: “Police officers are not robots. We are mothers and fathers. Sons and daughters. Husbands, wives and partners.
“We should go home at the end of our shift. Not to the hospital.”
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
