On Monday, violent unrest continued across various parts of the United Kingdom, with police confronting attacks in Belfast, Darlington, and Plymouth.
In Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall Police reported six arrests and minor injuries to several officers.
In South Belfast, riot officers were met with stones and petrol bombs near a supermarket that had been set ablaze over the weekend.
The unrest began following a vigil in Southport for victims of a mass stabbing, which has since sparked further violence.
Since the riots began, nearly 400 arrests have been made. A peaceful memorial for victims Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar saw hundreds of attendees, including children blowing bubbles and people leaving flowers and heart-shaped balloons.
Merseyside Police noted that one child involved remains hospitalized, while others have been discharged.
Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, from Banks, Lancashire, faces charges of three counts of murder, ten attempted murders, and possession of a curved kitchen knife. Police believe false rumors about Rudakubana’s background contributed to the unrest.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the violence, labeling it “far-right thuggery,” and pledged to enhance law enforcement efforts.
Despite appeals for calm, violence spread to Plymouth, where specialized officers were deployed to manage a far-right demonstration and a counter-protest. A police van was damaged, and several officers were injured. Supt Russ Dawe assured the community of a strong police response.
In South Belfast, attacks on PSNI officers in Sandy Row followed an anti-immigration protest that resulted in property damage.
Disturbances also erupted in Birmingham after false reports of a far-right march led to anti-EDL chants and attacks on vehicles and a pub. West Midlands Police are investigating these incidents, but no arrests have been made yet.
In Darlington, an 18-year-old was arrested for violent disorder involving bricks thrown at officers. Assistant Chief Constable Richie Allen described the events as “sporadic pockets of violent disorder.”
Nationally, 378 arrests have been made since the unrest began, with courts currently addressing these cases. The Law Society has called for better support for the courts. Following an emergency Cobra meeting, Sir Keir announced the creation of a “standing army” of specialist officers.
The government is also collaborating with social media companies to combat misinformation. Despite the ongoing violence, there are no plans to involve the military, and Parliament will not be recalled. The Northern Ireland Assembly has been convened early at Stormont.
Sir Keir emphasized the need to quell the disorder and ensure prompt criminal sanctions. Downing Street criticized X owner Elon Musk for suggesting that a “civil war is inevitable” in the UK, indicating concerns that online misinformation might be influenced by foreign actors.
Neil Basu, former head of counter-terrorism at the Metropolitan Police, noted that some of the rioting may have “crossed the line into terrorism.” BBC Verify footage shows crowds targeting vehicles, and Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed several officer injuries during protests. Over 80 Merseyside Police
