More than 100 arrests at London protest after Southport attack

17-year-old attacker charged with murder in multiple stabbings that killed three girls

Aug. 1 () –

London’s Metropolitan Police said Wednesday it had arrested more than 100 people who took part in a protest following the recent knife attack in Southport, where a 17-year-old teenager killed three girls and injured eight others during a dance class.

“More than 100 people have been arrested for offences including violent disorder, assaulting an emergency worker and failing to comply with protest conditions,” read a statement posted on the X social media profile, adding that some officers suffered minor injuries.

Hours earlier, police had said the conditions imposed on the protest had been breached. Demonstrators fired flares towards the gates of Downing Street, where the British prime minister’s residence is located, and towards a statue of Winston Churchill. Protesters chanted phrases such as “save our children” and “stop the ships” while throwing objects at officers, the BBC reported.

The biggest riots took place in the centre of Southport and were also concentrated in front of the local mosque, where vehicles were set on fire. Several British politicians have accused populist MP Nigel Farage of inciting the protests by fuelling the rumour that the attack was linked to terrorism.

MURDER CHARGES

The Southport attacker, who cannot be identified because of his age and is of Welsh origin, has been charged with three counts of murder and ten of attempted murder, while eight other children and two adults were injured. He is also accused of possessing a bladed article. The suspect is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are ongoing and that he is entitled to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,” said Ursula Doyle, deputy prosecutor at the Mersey-Cheshire Crown Prosecution Service.

The attack took place at the Hart Space community centre, where the Taylor Swift Yoga and Dance Workshop was being held for children between the ages of seven and eleven. In fact, the American artist published a statement on Tuesday in which she expressed her condolences for what happened.

A group of fans of the American singer has launched an initiative to raise funds to help with the costs of the victims’ funerals and to support their families. The initiative has already raised more than 287,000 pounds (more than 340,000 euros).