BBeer jugs and other objects were thrown at police during “serious acts of violence” in Sunderland, England.
Northumbria authorities have urged the public to avoid the town centre and the mayor said she was “shocked” by the scenes of violence – apparently in response to the Southport stabbings – which unfolded on Friday night.
According to Sky News, police were targeted with projectiles as they tried to contain the group of several hundred protesters and the police station was set on fire.
As a helicopter flew overhead, the youths threw stones at the officers and shouted: “Whose streets? Our streets”.
Some of the protesters were draped in English flags and chants of support for Tommy Robinson, a British anti-Islam activist, could be heard.
Other members of the march, which set off from the square shortly before 7pm, shouted insults about Islam. Some complained of “two-tier policing” as officers formed a protective circle around the mosque.
An overturned car was set on fire right in the city center as protesters threw fire extinguishers at police officers.
See the images:
Utterly shameful scenes from Sunderland tonight. This isn’t about the little girls murdered this week now, just an excuse to riot and participate in disorder. pic.twitter.com/FwDVdwlzKC
— Harry (@Recylopse) August 2, 2024
Riots in Sunderland UK pic.twitter.com/IgofZFTN8a
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) August 2, 2024
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper vowed on X today that rioters “will pay the price for their violence and their violent behaviour”.
“The police have the full support of the government to act as forcefully as possible and to ensure the full force of the law is applied,” said Yvette Cooper, as fresh clashes erupted in Sunderland, north-east England.
The rioters “do not represent Britain”, he added.
In London, in particular, the Metropolitan Police said it had “increased” its numbers “to reassure” the population, while a pro-Palestinian march is planned in the capital, as well as an anti-immigration demonstration.
Merseyside police, whose around 50 officers were injured in clashes on Tuesday in Southport, the northwest English town in mourning after a knife attack the previous day, also said they were ready to deal with possible further clashes, having deployed more officers to Liverpool city centre.
Two to three hundred people – supporters of the far-right, anti-Islam English Defence League (EDL), according to police – took part in clashes on Tuesday, amid rumours and speculation shared online about the religion, identity or origin of the attacker.
A 17-year-old suspect, Axel Rudakubana, was charged with murder and attempted murder and arrested.
Police forces are anticipating demonstrations in several cities, including Nottingham (central England), Rotherham (northern England), Cardiff (Wales) and Belfast (Northern Ireland).
The clashes in Southport, where a mosque was targeted, prompted officials at Muslim places of worship to beef up security.
Read Also: Fundraising campaign opens for family of Portuguese girl who died in attack
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Source: https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/mundo/2609454/violencia-grave-centenas-manifestam-se-apos-ataque-a-faca-em-southport
