01 Aug 2024 | 11:30 AM UTC
UK: Further protests denouncing Southport knife attack possible in urban centers throughout England as of Aug. 1
Protests denouncing Southport knife attack possible in cities across England, UK, as of Aug. 1. Heightened security, disruptions likely.
Further protests denouncing the July 29 Southport knife attack are possible in urban centers throughout England as of Aug. 1. Protests began in Southport on July 30, where anti-immigration activists clashed with police outside a local mosque following peaceful gatherings by residents and local politicians. On July 31, around 100 anti-immigration and nationalist activists were arrested following violent protests near Downing Street and Whitehall in London; related demonstrations also took place in Manchester, Hartlepool, and Aldershot, where several arrests and injuries occurred. The suspect in the July 29 attack is due to appear in Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Aug. 1, and heavy security and protests will likely accompany his appearance.
Protests on July 30-31 primarily took place outside sites associated with Muslim or immigrant communities, including a center for asylum seekers in Manchester and a mosque in Southport. Further protests, which could take place with little notice, could target similar sites in urban centers throughout England. Government buildings, particularly in London, could also be affected by related protests.
Heightened security and localized transport disruptions will likely accompany any demonstrations in the coming days. However, given that protests could occur without permission or notice, police may be slow to respond. Low-level confrontations between demonstrators and police, as well as acts of vandalism against mosques and asylum centers, cannot be ruled out. Unauthorized demonstrations, particularly those that feature violence or vandalism, face an increased threat of provoking robust police action. Bystanders would face an incidental risk should any violence occur.
Avoid all related demonstrations as a standard precaution. Monitor local media for updates on demonstrations. Allow additional time if traveling near demonstrations. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance.
The Southport knife attack, in which three children were killed, eight children were injured, and two adults were injured, has prompted a strong and immediate response from Southport residents, anti-immigration activists, and nationalist activists. However, there are concerns that misinformation is fueling unrest aside from that directly connected to Southport's residents. Although police are legally prohibited from identifying the suspect as he is a child, they have stated that he is neither Muslim nor an immigrant. Nonetheless, social media accounts continue to fuel these narratives, indicating that further protests may target sites associated with Muslim and immigrant communities.
