Agitators accused of Islamophobia for linking Southport attack to Muslims
Al Jazeera
Rioters attack local mosque in the English town where children were killed amid a flurry of online misinformation.
British Muslims, activists and civil rights groups have decried riots in Southport and hate speech in the aftermath of a fatal stabbing attack, as they spoke of a sense of fear and rising Islamophobia.
The northern English seaside town, which was struck by grief after a suspect stabbed children and adults on Monday at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday dance club, was plunged into chaos on Tuesday evening when rioters attacked a local mosque, chanted “F*** Muslims”, and assaulted police.
More than 50 officers were injured during the riots which erupted after a peaceful vigil. Tensions heated up as online misinformation and speculation spread over the knife attack suspect. Unverified claims have suggested he is a Muslim and a migrant.
Police have said the suspect is a 17-year-old who was born in the Welsh capital, Cardiff. He lived in a village near Southport. No further details about him have been announced since suspects cannot be named before they are charged. Furthermore, suspects under 18 have automatic anonymity.
Merseyside Police have said the tragedy, during which Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar were killed, is not being treated as a terrorism-related incident.
