UK police brace for new wave of protests on Wednesday
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Around 30% of trained riot police have been mobilized in anticipation of potentially violent protests, which may target lawyers' offices.
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Police officers watch members of the public outside the Town Hall during a vigil to remember the victims of the stabbing attack last Monday in Southport, England, Monday, August 5, 2024. (AP)
The UK police are preparing for another wave of protests across the country, with approximately 30 demonstrations expected on Wednesday alone, Sky News reports.
Far-right protesters have rallied against the influx of migrants, spurred by unconfirmed reports that the suspect in a deadly stabbing attack on July 29, at a children's dance club in Southport was a refugee.
The stabbing incident resulted in the deaths of three children and injuries to several others. The attacker was later identified as a 17-year-old Welsh-born boy of Rwandan descent. He was charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder. The attack is not being treated as terrorism-related.
Liverpool on Wednesday be there send them packing again. pic.twitter.com/z4T7DUh5b5
— Mike (@Fleabag2016) August 4, 2024
Around 30% of trained riot police have been mobilized in anticipation of potentially violent protests, which may target lawyers' offices, police sources informed Sky News.
The police feel better prepared now compared to the initial outbreak of protests, according to reports. Police leaders expect the unrest to last a day or two, with the worst of it over soon after.
Read more: UK police officers sustain injuries as violent protests expand
Since Monday, more than 400 individuals have been arrested in connection with the protests.
The violent protests initially began in Southport after extremist far-right social media users falsely reported that the assailant in Monday's knife attack that killed three young girls and wounded multiple children at dance class was a Muslim immigrant.
Clashes between the demonstrators and the police were incited by members of an anti-Muslim xenophobic fascist group known as the English Defense League (EDL), who provoked protesters by attacking a local mosque with projectiles.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the violent riots as "thuggery", pledging that the assailants will face "the full force of the law."
UK counter-terrorism police are currently investigating potential terror-related crimes.
Read more: UK's Starmer vows far-right 'thugs' will 'regret' disorder
