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full screen Cities in the UK where there have been reports of protests and riots since the stabbing in Southport on 29 July. Photo: Anders Humlebo
The biggest riots in over ten years are going on in the UK. Hundreds of people have been arrested in several waves in several cities in connection with the unrest, according to British police.
The riots were sparked by a bloody knife attack. Here is a summary of the past week’s events:
Monday, July 29:
Three girls between the ages of six and nine are killed in a knife attack in Southport, England. Ten others, most of them children, were injured in the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed children’s dance class. A 17-year-old boy is arrested as the only suspect.
Tuesday, July 30:
Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits the crime scene in the afternoon. During the evening, a demonstration for the victims of the Southport riot degenerates. Riot police are deployed and over 50 police officers are injured.
Rumors about the suspect’s background fuel the violent mood in mainly right-wing extremist groups, which blame the knife attack on immigration. The 17-year-old was born in Great Britain with parents from Rwanda.
Wednesday 31 July:
The violence spreads to London, protesters gather at the Prime Minister’s residence on Downing Street. Over 100 people are arrested, including suspects of having attacked rescue personnel.
Even in the city of Hartlepool in the north-east of England, disturbances arise in connection with demonstrations by right-wing extremist groups.
Thursday, August 1:
The 17-year-old is formally charged with murder and ten counts of attempted murder after the knife attack.
Starmer goes on a hard attack against social media that allowed the spread of misinformation, also summons police chiefs for a meeting.
The police choose to name the detainee, even though he is a minor, to stop the spread of rumours.
Friday, August 2:
Hundreds of protesters, largely described as far-right, clash with police outside a mosque in Sunderland, just outside Newcastle.
The police announce that they are tightening security around mosques.
Saturday, August 3:
The far-right English Defense League (EDF) is accused of being behind the wave of violence.
In the evening, several anti-immigrant demonstrations degenerate. In Liverpool, close to a thousand right-wing extremists collide with counter-demonstrators. Similar scenes are played out in Hull, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast, among others.
Police are putting thousands of officers on the streets and using surveillance and facial recognition technology. More than 90 people are arrested.
Sunday, August 4:
Unrest breaks out in several places. Among other things, in the city of Rotherham, where masked, anti-immigration protesters are smashing the windows of a hotel that has been used to house asylum seekers. At least ten police officers are injured.
British authorities promise to crack down on the rebels.
Monday, August 5:
The government is calling for a crisis meeting after the weekend’s riots. After the meeting, Starmer says special forces are “ready to deploy to support the community” and promises tougher legal action.