London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet with senior police leaders on Thursday, following a second night of violent protests in London linked to the tragic deaths of three young girls in Southport. The clashes come after a frenzied knife attack at a children’s dance class led to widespread unrest.
On Wednesday evening, thousands of anti-immigration protesters gathered near Starmer’s Downing Street office, chanting slogans such as “save our kids” and “we want our country back.” The previous night, more than 50 police officers were injured in violent confrontations in Southport, where the stabbings occurred.
The attack took place at a “Taylor Swift yoga and dance workshop”, a summer event for children aged 6 to 11. A 17-year-old male is currently in police custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Also Read | Southport Killings: Murder Charge for 17-Year-Old as Protests Erupt
Starmer’s office stated that the Prime Minister will use Thursday’s meeting to “offer the government’s full backing” to the police following recent incidents of extreme violence and public disorder. “While the right to peaceful protest must be protected at all costs, he will be clear that criminals who exploit that right in order to sow hatred and carry out violent acts will face the full force of the law,” the statement added.
Also Read | Gulf Markets React to Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Outlook
The unrest was fueled by false social media claims suggesting the suspect was a radical Islamist migrant. Police have confirmed the attack was not terrorism-related and that the suspect, born in Britain, is not connected to extremist groups, aiming to dispel speculation about his background.
