Riots in the UK – this is what has happened

The largest riots in over ten years are ongoing in the United Kingdom. Hundreds of people have been arrested in several waves in several cities in connection with the unrest, according to British police. The riots were triggered by a bloody knife attack. Here is a summary of the past week's events:

» Updated: September 18 2024

» Published: August 06 2024

Riots in the UK – this is what has happened
Photo: Anders Humlebo

Share this article

Monday, July 29:

Three girls between six and nine years old are killed in a knife attack in Southport, England. Ten others, mostly children, are injured in the attack, which takes place at a dance class for children with a Taylor Swift theme. A 17-year-old boy is arrested as the sole suspect.

Tuesday, July 30:

Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits the crime scene in the afternoon. In the evening, a manifestation for the victims turns into a riot in Southport. Riot police are deployed, and over 50 police officers are injured.

Rumors about the suspect's background fuel the heated atmosphere, particularly among far-right groups, which blame the knife attack on immigration. The 17-year-old was born in the UK to parents from Rwanda.

Wednesday, July 31:

Violence spreads to London, with demonstrators gathering outside the Prime Minister's residence on Downing Street. Over 100 people are arrested, including those suspected of attacking emergency responders.

Turbulence also erupts in the town of Hartlepool in northeastern England, in connection with demonstrations by far-right groups.

Thursday, August 1:

The 17-year-old is formally charged with murder and ten counts of attempted murder following the knife attack.

Starmer launches a harsh attack on social media for allowing the spread of disinformation and summons police chiefs for a meeting.

The police choose to name the detained individual, despite being a minor, to stop the spread of rumors.

Friday, August 2:

Hundreds of demonstrators, largely described as far-right, clash with police outside a mosque in Sunderland, just outside Newcastle.

The police announce that they will increase security around mosques.

Saturday, August 3:

The far-right English Defence League (EDL) is accused of being behind the wave of violence.

In the evening, several anti-immigrant demonstrations turn violent. In Liverpool, nearly a thousand far-right extremists clash with counter-demonstrators. Similar scenes unfold in Hull, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool, and Belfast.

The police deploy thousands of officers on the streets and use surveillance and facial recognition technology. More than 90 people are arrested.

Sunday, August 4:

Turbulence breaks out in several locations. In Rotherham, masked, anti-immigrant demonstrators smash windows at a hotel that has been used to house asylum seekers. At least ten police officers are injured.

British authorities promise tough action against the rioters.

Monday, August 5:

The government calls an emergency meeting after the weekend's riots. After the meeting, Starmer says that special forces are "ready to be deployed to support the community" and promises to tighten legal measures.

Tags

Author

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

More news

Two Boys Fatally Stabbed in Melbourne Suburbs
1 MIN READ

Two Boys Fatally Stabbed in Melbourne Suburbs

Russian Attack on Ukraine's Sumy Region Leaves One Dead, Several Injured
1 MIN READ

Russian Attack on Ukraine's Sumy Region Leaves One Dead, Several Injured

Chicago Leaders Condemn Trump's Threats as "Repulsive"
2 MIN READ

Chicago Leaders Condemn Trump's Threats as "Repulsive"

Loose Cable Caused Fatal Lisbon Funicular Crash, Investigators Say
1 MIN READ

Loose Cable Caused Fatal Lisbon Funicular Crash, Investigators Say

Family Calls for Health Minister Kennedy's Resignation Over Vaccine Stance
2 MIN READ

Family Calls for Health Minister Kennedy's Resignation Over Vaccine Stance

Car Crashes into French Pizzeria Patio Leaving One Dead
1 MIN READ

Car Crashes into French Pizzeria Patio Leaving One Dead

Over 425 Arrested at Pro-Palestinian Protest in London
1 MIN READ

Over 425 Arrested at Pro-Palestinian Protest in London

Over 50 Killed in Boko Haram Attack in Northeastern Nigeria
2 MIN READ

Over 50 Killed in Boko Haram Attack in Northeastern Nigeria

Hippopotamus Capsizes Boat in Ivory Coast: Eleven Missing
1 MIN READ

Hippopotamus Capsizes Boat in Ivory Coast: Eleven Missing

$1 Million Reward Offered for Capture of Armed Police Killer in Australia
1 MIN READ

$1 Million Reward Offered for Capture of Armed Police Killer in Australia

Gaza Toddler Shamm Finds New Hope with Treatment in Italy
2 MIN READ

Gaza Toddler Shamm Finds New Hope with Treatment in Italy

Russia Boosts Drone Production to 2,700 Monthly
1 MIN READ

Russia Boosts Drone Production to 2,700 Monthly

Hamas Threat to Israel: Analysts Say Eradication Unlikely
7 MIN READ

Hamas Threat to Israel: Analysts Say Eradication Unlikely

Thousands Gather in Milan to Honor Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani
1 MIN READ

Thousands Gather in Milan to Honor Fashion Icon Giorgio Armani

Zelensky Rejects Putin's Moscow Meeting Invitation
1 MIN READ

Zelensky Rejects Putin's Moscow Meeting Invitation

Israel Calls for Evacuation to Contested Humanitarian Zone in Gaza
2 MIN READ

Israel Calls for Evacuation to Contested Humanitarian Zone in Gaza

Norway Election Poll: Red-Greens Lead as Høyre Faces Historic Low
2 MIN READ

Norway Election Poll: Red-Greens Lead as Høyre Faces Historic Low

Large Shark Attack in Sydney Leaves Surfer Dead
1 MIN READ

Large Shark Attack in Sydney Leaves Surfer Dead

Europe Faces Autumn Crisis Amid Trump Tensions
3 MIN READ

Europe Faces Autumn Crisis Amid Trump Tensions

Trump Proposes Hosting Next G20 Summit at His Miami Golf Club
2 MIN READ

Trump Proposes Hosting Next G20 Summit at His Miami Golf Club