From the Liveblog of
Sunday, August 4, 2024
UK government warns violent disorder ‘won’t be tolerated’ after some 90 protesters arrested
The UK government warns that violent disorder will “not be tolerated” after police made dozens of arrests at far-right rallies following clashes between protesters and officers.
Unrest linked to disinformation about a mass stabbing that killed three young girls last week spread to multiple towns and cities yesterday as anti-immigration demonstrators faced off against counter-protesters.
About 90 people have been arrested after skirmishes broke out in numerous English cities, including Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Blackpool and Hull, as well as Belfast in Northern Ireland.
In some instances, rioters threw bricks, bottles and flares at police — injuring several officers — looted and burnt shots, while demonstrators were also heard shouting anti-Islamic slurs.
The government’s policing minister, Diana Johnson, tells BBC News that the rioting will “not be tolerated,” and that there will be “penalties and consequences” for the disorder.
The skirmishes marked the fourth day of unrest in several towns and cities following Monday’s frenzied knife attack in Southport, near Liverpool on England’s northwest coast.
Police have blamed the violence on supporters and associated organizations of the English Defence League, an anti-Islam organization founded 15 years ago whose supporters have been linked to soccer hooliganism.
Police have warned of more demonstrations planned for today.
