Far-right protests and riots continued to grip Britain for the seventh consecutive night, with clashes and arson across the country.
On the night of August 5, the group Stand Up Against Racism marched in Guildhall Square in the city of Plymouth, southwest England, and encountered “anti-boat people” protesters. Clashes broke out between the two sides and far-right elements damaged a police car, in the seventh consecutive night of rioting in the UK, plunging the country into the worst unrest since 2011.
The situation was sparked by false rumours surrounding the stabbing deaths of three girls at a Southport dance school, which led to a series of clashes between anti-immigration protesters and police in a number of cities and towns.
Crowds protest in Rotherdam, England, August 4. Photo: AFP
In Birmingham, a crowd carrying Palestinian flags blocked traffic, smashed and beat up drivers, while a man used a loudspeaker to incite protesters. Some cars had to drive through the crowd, across the grass, and onto other roads to escape.
Authorities reported a series of clashes and fights that broke out across the area, despite the presence of riot police. As night fell, protesters began setting off flares and scuffling with police and counter-protesters.
The wave of protests began on July 29, after suspect Axel Rudakubana, 17, stabbed a dance class in Southport, killing three girls and seriously injuring five children and two adults.
Although police said the suspect was born and raised in Britain, many false reports spread on social media claiming that Rudakubana was an undocumented immigrant, sparking anti-immigration and anti-Muslim sentiment.
“Whatever the motive, this is pure violence and the authorities will not tolerate attacks on the Muslim community,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on August 5. Dozens of police officers have been hospitalized over the past six days after being pelted with bricks, bottles, and large objects such as tables and chairs by crowds.
British police have identified Rudakubana, who was born in Wales to Rwandan parents. The teenager has been charged with murder and attempted murder.
Suspects under the age of 18 are not normally identified in the UK, but the judge in the case ordered Rudakubana’s name to be published to prevent the spread of misinformation.
But Prime Minister Starmer’s spokesman said on August 5 that social media platforms had not done enough to stop the spread of fake news, adding that some of the inciting information came from outside.
On August 5, Mr. Starmer announced the establishment of a “standing army” of special police officers, increasing the frequency of the judicial system’s work to quickly try hundreds of people arrested in riots nationwide.
