VIOLENT FAR-RIGHT RIOTS ERUPT IN UK’S SUNDERLAND AMID ANTI-IMMIGRANT PROTESTS

Sat 03 August 2024:

Violent far-right riots broke out in Sunderland, northeast England, following anti-immigrant protests sparked by the recent killing of three children at a dance class. Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Helena Barron reported that on Friday, officers encountered “serious and sustained levels of violence” as hundreds of people rampaged through the city center, attacking police and setting fires to a car and a building near a police office.

Eight individuals were arrested after hours of what Barron described as “utterly deplorable” disturbances. Three officers required hospital treatment, with two remaining hospitalized early Saturday. Social media images showed balaclava-clad youths throwing bricks and setting off fireworks and flares.

VIOLENT FAR-RIGHT RIOTS ERUPT IN UK’S SUNDERLAND AMID ANTI-IMMIGRANT PROTESTS#SunderlandRiots

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Barron condemned the violence, stating, “The shocking scenes we have witnessed in Sunderland this evening are completely unacceptable,” and affirmed that “disorder, violence and damage” will not be tolerated. A full investigation is underway to identify others involved.

Misinformation and Anti-Immigration Sentiment

The disorder followed two nights of unrest in various English towns and cities after the stabbing of three children—Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Bebe King, six—during a Taylor Swift-inspired dance class in Southport. Initial online misinformation attributed the killings to a Muslim immigrant, but the alleged perpetrator was later identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, a Christian born in the UK to Rwandan parents. Police have stated the case is not terror-related but have not disclosed a motive.

Growing Anti-Immigrant Protests

The killings fueled anti-immigration sentiment, with far-right social media channels promoting “enough is enough” rallies. Protesters clashed with police outside a mosque in Southport on Tuesday and threw beer cans, bottles, and flares near the prime minister’s office in London the following day. Officers arrested 111 people as a rally in Westminster turned violent late Wednesday.

Friday night’s unrest in Sunderland, after a calm Thursday, signals potential trouble ahead. London’s Metropolitan Police announced a “proportionate and risk-based” plan for rival pro-Palestinian and anti-immigration protests on Saturday.

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Government and Community Responses

Responding to the Sunderland events, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper declared that rioters will “pay the price for their violence and thuggery,” emphasizing that they “do not represent Britain” and pledging full government backing for police action.

Faith leaders reported increased security measures at mosques following attacks. The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the violence and urged action to prevent its recurrence.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with local leaders in Southport on Friday to discuss community support. Downing Street announced new measures to tackle disorder, including intelligence sharing, wider use of facial recognition technology, and criminal behavior orders to restrict troublemakers from traveling.

In a mark of respect and solidarity, Downing Street was lit up in pink on Friday evening, declaring, “We stand in solidarity with Southport.”

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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