by UK towns and cities have been hit by far-right rioting mobs following a series of violent “protests”.
In the last few days, fear of minority communities and riots have broken out across the country after the tragic shootings in Southport, which claimed the lives of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and nine years old. Alice Dasilva Aguiar.
Online misinformation initially suggested the suspect was a Muslim refugee, but it later emerged the man accused of the Cardiff murders was born to Rwandan parents.
Following the heartbreaking events in Southport, far-right groups have organized numerous ‘hate marches’, which have turned violent, leading to the need for riot police to be deployed to bring order to restore.
Riots have broken out in Liverpool, Leeds, Belfast and Hometown, where ethnic minorities, mainly the Muslim community, are under attack, the Mirror reports.
Authorities in the UK have largely blamed terrorists who support the EDL. The EDL, an anti-Muslim organisation, was founded in 2009 by former BNP member Tommy Robinson – whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (although he claims he is no longer a member).
From acid attacks to setting fire to families staying in hotels, here’s a rundown of the events since the hate marches began.
Rotherham: Hotel on fire
About 700 rioters gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express, setting it on fire and throwing bottles, bricks and chairs at the hotel during an anti-immigration riot. The hotel offers accommodation for asylum seekers, including children.
A number of bins were set on fire and pushed against a fire escape, and the police had to use extinguishers to control the flames which lasted for half an hour.
A generator, patches of grass outside and some cardboard-filled bins were also set on fire. At one point, men wearing balaclavas and masks were lying on the road to prevent a fire engine – which had just given chase – from returning, according to eyewitness and Mirror reporter Lucy Thornton.
Manchester: Black man attacked
In Manchester, footage began circulating on social media on Saturday showing a Black man being attacked by a large group of white men in Piccadilly Gardens.
The video shows one attacker covered in an English flag and another wearing a mask. The victim is seen being beaten to the ground and kicked by the crowd.
Violence erupted during a demonstration organized under the ‘Enough is Enough’ banner in the city centre, when attendees clashed with counter-protesters and police. Clashes broke out, a supermarket had to be closed and public transport came to a standstill.
Liverpool: ‘Sabbing’
In Liverpool, local reports indicate that a Muslim man was allegedly stabbed at Blundellsands and Crosby train station on Friday. This incident happened a few hours before a far-right riot broke out at the nearby Abdullah Quilliam Mosque.
The incident is currently being investigated by Merseyside Police. Additionally, a video that went viral shows an Islamic stall offering free Qurans allegedly targeted in Liverpool city center on Saturday.
In addition, rioters set fire to a library and tried to prevent firefighters from extinguishing the flames. Shops were also looted, with reports suggesting the attacks were aimed at businesses owned by ethnic minorities, according to local residents.
The BBC has reported that some wheelie bins were also set on fire.
Merseyside Police and British Transport Police have been approached for a statement.
Hull: The Asian man was pulled out of the car
In Hull, footage emerged online showing far-right rioters pulling an Asian man, believed to be a taxi driver, out of his car.
During the attack captured in the video, rioters can be heard shouting racial slurs such as “P**i” while damaging the vehicle, as reported by The Independent.
Rioters also targeted a hotel that housed asylum seekers, hurling bottles and eggs at police officers trying to manage the situation. Humberside Police confirmed that three officers were injured and 20 people were arrested.
In addition, shops in the city center were looted and goods were set on fire.
Sunderland: Filipino NHS nurses attacked
In Sunderland, Philippine NHS nurses were on their way to provide emergency cover at a hospital amid the chaos of the riot.
NHS staff were reportedly ‘scared’ when rioters pelted their taxis with rocks.
The vehicles were a focal point for the rioters as they torched a police station following a protest that erupted following the Southport knife incident.
“They were in two different taxis and were called in because of the trouble as emergency cover,” a source revealed to the Mirror. “They managed to get through but they were obviously afraid of what would happen to them.”
Northumbria Police confirmed eight people were arrested and three officers required hospital treatment for injuries sustained during the disturbance on Friday night.
Middlesbrough: Suspected acid attack
Unconfirmed reports began circulating on social media about an ‘acid attack’ targeting a Muslim woman in Middlesbrough. The public was informed through Whatsapp messages, detailing the attacks.
One message said: “There have been confirmed incidents of men driving past and throwing an unknown liquid on Muslim women.”
However, Cleveland Police have not received any official reports, although they are closely monitoring the situation based on the online discussion.
Belfast: racist anti-Muslim slogans
In front of City Hall, a handful of anti-Islamic demonstrators gathered, chanting “Islam Out.”
Later, fireworks were exchanged between this group and a counter-protester advocating against racism in the city.
Caught on video, it appeared that at least one person from the anti-Islamic faction was carrying bricks to a certain location, but it is not yet clear if anyone was thrown.
Another disturbing clip shared on the internet shows a young girl shouting “P*kis out” while holding her mother’s hand, both walking and smiling.
Blackburn: Anti-immigration unrest
A dispersal order was put in place across Blackburn town center yesterday due to fears of violence. Local MP Adnan Hussain urged residents to avoid the protest, expressing concern over possible clashes.
According to the Lancashire Telegraph, a small anti-immigrant protest took place but lasted less than half an hour. It is believed that no more than 10 people attended, with larger counter-protester groups appearing in the area later.
Nottingham: Spent projectiles
As NottinghamshireLive reported, anti-Islamic and counter-protesters were seen throwing objects at each other. Many of those involved in the initial protest left, and were replaced by individuals who were not affiliated with either group.
The police managed to keep the two groups separated for most of the protest.
Portsmouth: A scuffle broke out
Today, anti-racism demonstrators confronted hundreds of racist anti-immigration protesters outside City Hall. About 300 people gathered this morning for the brief protest.
The police had to intervene as they tried to chase others away. A group of young black men objected to the group’s presence, and some of them were heard chanting the slogan of the English Defense League afterwards.
Stoke-on-Trent: Alleged stabbing
In Stoke-on-Trent, four men were arrested following a disturbance in the Staffordshire city. Police denied claims made on social media that there had been a stabbing.
In response to rising rumours, the police clarified: “Speculation is growing that today’s disorder is the result of a stabbing. We can confirm that this information is false and no stabbings have been reported to police or emergency responders , despite videos. fueling speculation on social media.”
The statement also gave an update on the situation: “We can confirm that a man has been injured after being hit by a blunt object thrown. His injuries are not believed to be serious and he has been taken to hospital for treatment. He was arrested for disorder and are in custody for questioning.”
