Violent clashes between protesters and police in Southport following stabbings

Violent clashes between protesters and police have erupted outside a mosque in Southport after three girls were killed in a knife attack.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were all fatally stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday.

Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were also critically injured, police said.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said officers had faced violence from “thugs” on Tuesday evening.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said it was “appalling” police officers in Southport were facing attacks from “thugs on the streets who have no respect for a grieving community”, adding: “It’s a total disgrace.”

Hundreds of people took part in a peaceful vigil on Tuesday evening outside Southport’s Atkinson arts venue, with many in tears as they laid flowers and cards of remembrance.

Mosque

The vigil was followed by a separate protest outside a local mosque as demonstrators chanting far-right slogans clashed with police in St Luke’s Road.

Merseyside Police said “a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defence League” – began to throw items towards the mosque at around 7.45pm.

Officers put on helmets and riot gear after stones and bottles were launched at them and police vehicles were damaged and set on fire.

Merseyside Police said an officer suffered a suspected broken nose during the chaotic scenes.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance studio in Hart Street.

In a post on social media, Chief Constable Kennedy said: “I am incredibly proud of my officers and staff who have worked so hard to save the lives of children, investigate the horrific incident from yesterday, working with partners to provide reassurance to our communities and now they are facing this level of violence from these thugs.

“Over 1,000 residents from Southport came together this evening to remember the little girls who have died, those who are still critical in hospital and all those who witnessed and are traumatised by the events from yesterday.

“This is where all of our focus should be.”

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss of Merseyside Police said it was “sickening” to see the disorder “happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives”.

Attacked

In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable Goss added: “Yesterday, our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face. Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavour to prevent disorder.

“The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside.

“There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.

“We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time.

“Our officers should not have to face this, but we will be there tonight to ensure the safety of the local community who have suffered enough, and will arrest those involved in criminal behaviour.”

A 32-year-old man from Standish was arrested on suspicion of possession of a flick knife on Eastbank Street near where the vigil took place on Tuesday evening.

The man was taken into custody and there were no reports that anyone was injured during the incident, Merseyside Police said.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited the seaside town on Tuesday and thanked emergency service workers, telling them: “I hope you feel proud of the part that you played in the most difficult circumstances, to do what you could for those young lives.”

He laid down his wreath and stood momentarily in silence, but more than one person shouted: “How many more, Starmer? When are you going to do something?”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper updated MPs on the attack in the House of Commons on Tuesday evening, where she described it as an “unspeakable tragedy”.

She told the Commons: “These were young children, dancing to Taylor Swift and celebrating the start of the school holidays.

“What should have been a joyful start to the summer turned into an unspeakable tragedy.”

Police have said that, although the motive for the attack is unclear, it is not believed to be terror-related.

Ms Cooper said Merseyside Police were leading an “extremely serious criminal investigation”, telling MPs the force is “being supported by counter-terrorism police”.

The force said the suspect, who was born in Cardiff, is from the village of Banks, just outside Southport, and a road in the area was cordoned off by detectives on Monday afternoon.

Police said a name shared on social media in connection with the suspect is “incorrect”, adding: “We would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing.”