Thousands of riot police across the UK are on high alert following a surge in violence that erupted more than a week ago after the murder of three children. The unrest, which has led to hundreds of arrests and over 100 charges, is being fueled by far-right groups planning demonstrations in more than 30 locations.
These groups have targeted immigration lawyers and asylum seeker accommodations, according to leaked posts on the messaging app Telegram. In response to the worst disorder in England in over a decade, the government has mobilized 6,000 specialist police officers.
The violence began after a knife attack at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport, northwest England, claimed the lives of three girls, aged nine, seven, and six, and left five others critically injured. Initial false rumors circulated on social media alleging that the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker. The suspect, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, was later identified as being from Wales, with Rwandan heritage.
The violence initially focused on a local mosque in Southport but quickly spread to other areas in England and Northern Ireland. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to deal with the unrest decisively, warning that those involved will face “the full force of the law.” He has promised “substantive sentencing” for rioters and those inciting violence online.
The unrest, which has been described as Britain’s worst since the 2011 London riots, has prompted several countries to issue travel warnings for the UK. Rioters have clashed with police, burned vehicles, and attacked mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers.
On Tuesday, several individuals were brought before judges, with some pleading guilty to charges related to the violence. A 19-year-old man received a two-month prison sentence, marking the first conviction related to the unrest. Other cases include a man convicted for assaulting a police officer and a 15-year-old who admitted to violent disorder.
The newly formed government has committed to addressing the chaos with a tough stance. Justice Minister Heidi Alexander announced an additional 500 prison places to accommodate the surge in detainees. Police have linked the disturbances to supporters of the now-defunct English Defence League, a far-right group known for its Islamophobic views.
Interior Minister Yvette Cooper has emphasized that there will be serious consequences for those responsible for the violence, highlighting the role of social media in exacerbating the situation. Meanwhile, tech billionaire Elon Musk has criticized the UK government’s handling of the crisis, drawing comparisons to the Soviet Union and igniting further controversy.
Starmer’s spokesperson has dismissed Musk’s comments as unjustified, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring order.