17-year-old arrested for knife attack in Southport

The 17-year-old boy who is suspected of having murdered three girls in British Southport on Monday has been arrested. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer is launching a harsh attack on social media platforms that have allowed the spread of disinformation.

» Published:

17-year-old arrested for knife attack in Southport
Photo: Jordan Pettitt/AP/TT

Share this article

The deed has shocked the entire United Kingdom. On Tuesday, violent riots broke out in Southport, driven by false rumors about the perpetrator's identity that circulated online. According to the police, the rioters are believed to have been part of a right-wing extremist group.

Over 50 police officers were injured, with around 20 being taken to hospital, as demonstrators threw bricks and bottles at them. Trash cans and cars were set on fire, and a store was looted.

Riots in London

Late on Wednesday evening, the violence had spread to the capital. A hundred demonstrators threw beer cans and fireworks near the Prime Minister's residence on Downing Street in London. Over 100 people were arrested, including suspects of attacking rescue personnel, according to the London police.

Trouble also erupted in the town of Hartlepool in northeastern England in connection with demonstrations by right-wing extremist groups, linking the knife attack to immigration. The arrested 17-year-old was born in the UK to parents from Rwanda.

In an unusual legal decision, the police authority chose to name the arrested, despite being a minor, to avoid speculation.

New Tough Methods

Prime Minister Keir Starmer simultaneously launched a harsh attack on social media platforms, demanding that they follow laws aimed at stopping the spread of disinformation and lies. Starmer also summoned police chiefs for a meeting about the unrest.

The Prime Minister announced new methods to stop riots. These include sharing information, increased use of facial recognition technology, and travel restrictions for criminals.

These thugs are mobile, they move from community to community. We need a police response that does the same, said Starmer.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Israel's Gaza Offensive Faces Global Condemnation

Israel's Gaza Offensive Faces Global Condemnation

Trump Removes Colombia from Anti-Drug Allies List, Impacting Support

Trump Removes Colombia from Anti-Drug Allies List, Impacting Support

Afghan Man Gets Life Sentence for Knife Attack at German Market

Afghan Man Gets Life Sentence for Knife Attack at German Market

Hungary Says USA Understands Its Position on Russian Oil and Gas

Hungary Says USA Understands Its Position on Russian Oil and Gas

Nord Stream Sabotage Suspect to Be Extradited to Germany

Nord Stream Sabotage Suspect to Be Extradited to Germany

Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett Call Netflix Documentary Problematic

Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett Call Netflix Documentary Problematic

UN Investigator Alleges Genocide by Israel in Gaza Strip

UN Investigator Alleges Genocide by Israel in Gaza Strip

Ukrainian Children Taken to Over 210 Locations in Russia and Occupied Areas

Ukrainian Children Taken to Over 210 Locations in Russia and Occupied Areas

Trump and Zelenskyj Likely to Meet in New York Next Week

Trump and Zelenskyj Likely to Meet in New York Next Week

Trump Sues New York Times for $15 Billion in Defamation Case

Trump Sues New York Times for $15 Billion in Defamation Case

Trump Urges Orbán to Stop Russian Oil Imports Amid EU Sanctions Talks

Trump Urges Orbán to Stop Russian Oil Imports Amid EU Sanctions Talks

Over 50 Killed in Gang Attacks North of Haiti's Capital

Over 50 Killed in Gang Attacks North of Haiti's Capital

Russian Attacks in Ukraine Leave Two Dead and Nine Injured

Russian Attacks in Ukraine Leave Two Dead and Nine Injured

Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci Sets World Record with Jollof Rice

Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci Sets World Record with Jollof Rice

Israel Advances Major Offensive in Gaza City

Israel Advances Major Offensive in Gaza City

White House Vows Action Against Left-Wing Extremism After Kirk's Death

White House Vows Action Against Left-Wing Extremism After Kirk's Death

US Dismisses Israeli Attacks on Qatar Amid Tensions

US Dismisses Israeli Attacks on Qatar Amid Tensions

Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

Trump Announces US Attack on Venezuela Narcotics Boat

Trump Announces US Attack on Venezuela Narcotics Boat

UN Reports Over 250 Journalists Killed in Gaza Conflict

UN Reports Over 250 Journalists Killed in Gaza Conflict