Sparked by Alleged Crime by British Citizen, anti-immigrant riots break out in the UK

Photo courtesy of Don Roth; Photo taken during Brexit Campaign

Immigration worries led to the 2017 vote in the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, known as Brexit.  Brexit, however, has not ended concerns with immigration and immigrants.

Juliana Kim for NPR reports on mob violence by anti-immigrant protesters in the United Kingdom:  

"Over the past few days, the U.K. has been battered by widespread riots led by hundreds of far-right protesters.

The violent rallies began . . .  following a deadly stabbing spree that killed three young girls and wounded several others at a children's dance and yoga class in northwest England.

The attack has triggered Islamophobic and anti-immigration sentiments in the U.K., leading to hundreds of arrests, dozens of officers injured, and multiple buildings damaged — including a mosque and a hotel known to have housed asylum seekers.

The riots entered its sixth day on Sunday and showed no signs of waning. . . . 

The riots come after a stabbing rampage on July 29 at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class in Southport, England.

Three girls [ages 6,7, and 9] were killed and 10 more were injured, including eight children and two adults. Police arrested a 17-year-old male at the scene but initially withheld his name because the suspect was under 18."

False rumors have spread online, claiming that an asylum-seeker was behind the attack. (The suspect, publicly named by police was born in Wales.)

Last week, rioters stormed the streets in Southport and targeted a local mosque. Southport Mosque said members of its congregation locked themselves inside while individuals hurled petrol bombs and bricks at the building.

Yesterday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the riots.  "I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we've seen this weekend. Be in no doubt. Those that have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand. Charges will follow and convictions will follow."

KJ