39 police officers injured and van set ablaze as riots erupt near where three girls were killed in Southport stabbing

30 July 2024, 20:45 | Updated: 31 July 2024, 05:33

Some 39 police officers were injured, with 11 taken to hospital, and a police van set on fire as riots erupted in Southport on Tuesday.

Officers were standing guard outside the building near Hart Street at around 7:45pm when a group of men, believed to be connected to the far-right English Defence League, started launching stones and bottles towards them and attacking the riot vans.

A police van was set on fire, with footage on social media showing large flames billowing around the vehicle.

Meanwhile, several officers were injured and a shop was looted, Merseyside Police said.

In the wake of the riots, Sir Keir Starmer warned those involved would feel "the full force of the law".

Taking to X, he said: The people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday."They deserve our support and our respect.

"Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves.

"They will feel the full force of the law."

Van being set on fire in Southport

Police cleared the area directly outside the mosque and stood guard with batons raised as the police van blazed behind them.

Masked youths were seen scouring the ground for bricks littering the floor to throw at lines of officers.

Chants of "England till I die" where heard on the scene.

Heavy thuds were heard as the vans took hits and police raised their shields against incoming missiles.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned those responsible for the riots "would full force of the law."

She said: "This morning when I visited Southport I saw a grieving community pulling together to support each other and care for the families who have lost loved ones in the face of an unspeakable tragedy.

"I met police officers and emergency service workers who showed incredible bravery in response to yesterday's attack, and are leading an urgent and serious criminal investigation with the support of the community behind them.

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"So these disgraceful scenes of violence and disorder we are witnessing this evening, with attacks on the Merseyside Police and a local mosque, are completely appalling.

"Those responsible will face the full force of the law. The community of Southport are reeling from a horrifying ordeal and families are grieving.

"This violent thuggery, which has overshadowed a peaceful vigil for three little girls, is an insult to the community and to all those who need the space to process what has happened and to heal."

In a statement on Tuesday evening, Assistant Chief Constable Goss confirmed many involved in tonight's riots are not from Southport

He said: "The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside.

"There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.

"We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time."

It comes after the deaths of three girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class on Monday that left a further eight children and two adults injured.

A vigil was held on Tuesday evening to remember the three girls killed after they were named as Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Aguiar.

Local MP Patrick Hurley said he "fully condemns any attack" on emergency services in the wake of tonight's riots.

"It's distressing to see people from outside our Southport community attacking our police and local people," he said.

"I appeal to local people to avoid the area and stay safe, to allow the police to do their job. I want to thank our community for pulling together and supporting every person who has been affected by Monday's tragic attack."

Alex Goss, said: "It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.

"In the last 24 hours, we have seen overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to deal with their loss and care for victims injured during the major incident.

"Yesterday, our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face. Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavour to prevent disorder.

"The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside."

He added: "There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.

"We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time.

"Our officers should not have to face this, but we will be there tonight to ensure the safety of the local community who have suffered enough, and will arrest those involved in criminal behaviour.

"If you have any information on this incident or saw what happened, please contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre'."