The next 24 hours are expected to be challenging for British authorities, as dozens of rallies by far-right groups are planned across the United Kingdom today, continuing the unrest that erupted after the massacre of three little girls in Southport on July 29.
After a brief respite last night, which was relatively calm following a week of incidents, authorities are preparing for demonstrations in over 35 locations across the country.
Almost 6,000 police officers, specialized in maintaining order, are on duty to handle any disturbances that may occur tonight and in the next 24 hours, as announced by local authorities yesterday.
Incitement on Social Media
According to the Daily Mail, extreme racist messages posted on Telegram are inciting violence, listing “potential targets” for rioters. These targets include refugee centers, anti-racism activists, and human rights lawyers. Despite the British government’s stringent measures to stop them, the rioters appear undeterred.
Based on available information, protests may take place in 39 regions across the country. The list of areas, published by the Daily Mail, includes several cities where violent incidents have recently occurred, with police officers being attacked and shops looted.
Recent Unrest
A week after the knife attack in Southport, which claimed the lives of three little girls, the country is experiencing its worst unrest in 13 years. The incidents began in Southport the day after the attack, following unconfirmed reports, later partially denied, about the religion and background of the 17-year-old attacker, Axel Rudakubana.
The demonstrations and incidents spread across Britain over the weekend. Hundreds of arrests have followed the violent unrest: looting of hotels hosting asylum seekers, attacks on mosques, and shop looting.
Arrests and Charges
During the past few days, more than 400 arrests have been made, with over 100 individuals prosecuted. So far, more than 100 people have been charged following the week of riots in Britain, spurred by misinformation in the wake of the Southport stabbings.
Hate Messages
The Daily Mail today published messages posted over the past 24 hours in Telegram groups about the protests, reflecting the mindset of some involved in the incidents. “The a****les will try to take advantage of the turmoil to steal, it’s in their blood,” reads one message. Another message targets Nick Laws, founder of an anti-extremism charity: “If anyone wants to leave glorified, let him take this man with him to the other world. Death to Nick Laws. Whoever kills him will be a hero,” the message states, with someone else replying, “I’m in. How do I do it?”
Messages in these hate groups also include advice on how participants can avoid identification and prosecution by the authorities.