UK: Lingering heightened security likely after protesters clash with police in Southport late July 30 /update 1

Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence in Southport over the coming hours after hundreds of protesters gathered outside a mosque on St. Luke's Road in the town late July 30, throwing bricks and other objects at the building. Some demonstrators also threw objects at and clashed with police, leaving at least one officer injured, and set fire to a police van. Police have reportedly since cleared the protesters from the immediate vicinity of the mosque. The outbreak of unrest came after hundreds of people gathered in the town for a vigil in support of the victims of the July 29 stabbing attack at a dance workshop held at a studio on Hart Street that killed three children and left 10 other people wounded.

Further clashes are likely in the area over the coming hours. Transport and business disruptions will likely affect locations subject to heightened security and clashes.