Southport stabbing latest: Riot police clash with protesters outside mosque

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy posted on X: “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 1000 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 & are traumatised by the events from yesterday. This is where all of our focus should be.”

Merseyside Police arrested a man and seized a flick knife after receiving a report at 6.50pm that he had been seen with a weapon on Eastbank Street.

No one was injured and the 32-year-old man from Standish was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article, and taken into custody.

Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: “We know too well the devastating impact knife crime can have for victims, their families and friends, and those who carry them.

“This week has seen an unspeakable tragedy unfold in Southport, and this incident occurred a short distance from where a vigil had been happening where the community was paying their respects to all those affected.

“Officers made a swift arrest and have seized a knife that could have been used to cause harm in our communities.

“Those offenders who carry them have no place whatsoever in our communities.

Riot police have cleared the area directly outside the mosque and were standing guard with batons raised.

A police van was blazing behind them, with black smoke filling the air.

Masked youths were scouring the ground for bricks littering the floor to throw at lines of officers.

Heavy thuds were heard as the vans took hits and police raised their shields against incoming missiles.

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.

“In the last 24 hours, we have seen overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to deal with their loss and care for victims injured during the major incident.

“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 endeavor 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 behavior.”

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm officers are dealing with a disturbance during a protest in Southport this evening (Tuesday 30 July). “At around 7.45pm, a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defence League – began to throw items towards a local mosque on St Luke’s Road in Southport.

“Officers who are deployed are currently dealing with criminal behaviour and violence with bottles and wheelie bins being thrown at them.

“As a result, an officer has suffered a suspected broken nose and police vehicles have been damaged and set alight.

“Additional patrols are now in attendance, including the Dog Section.”

Just an hour after a peaceful vigil was held to pay tribute to the victims killed, a protest outside a mosque near the crime scene on Hart Street has descended into chaos.

Hundreds of angry yobs, some wearing balaclavas, have been seen throwing bricks and bottles at police officers, with helicopters deployed.

Riot police have now descended on the scene, while angry shouts can be heard and a van attempting to make its way through the crowd.

Fireworks have been set off and loose masonry has been thrown as a number of officers are believed to have sustained minor injuries.

With more cars and protesters joining the crowds, it is clear that Merseyside Police face a growing crisis just a day after the tragic stabbing which took the lives of three children.