Police van on fire and officers 'suffer injuries' in clashes outside mosque in Southport as protesters chant 'no surrender' and 'English till I die'

At least one police van has been set on fire in the clashes, while firecrackers could be heard going off as multiple police sirens sounded, amid chants of "No surrender" and "English 'till I die" from sections of the crowd.

One group of men, many wearing masks and hoodies, were seen in a running battle with officers outside the mosque as more police arrived.

GB News' North West Reporter Sophie Reaper was at the scene, and shared footage of a fire blazing outside the Southport Islamic Society Mosque as the protests continued.

Hundreds of youths and men alongside a large police presence remain on the roads surrounding Hart Street, where yesterday's attack took place.

Shocked local residents were seen out on the streets as Southport's roads piled up with traffic and crowds.

One man said Southport is "edgy", while others described the situation as "horrendous".

The violence follows a vigil attended by thousands who gathered to pay their respects to the victims of the attack which claimed the lives of three young girls.

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BREAKING: Violent scenes here in Southport tonight with a major police presence.

A huge fire blazes outside the Southport Islamic Society Mosque. pic.twitter.com/6qHcc9nDbF

— Sophie Reaper (@SophieReaper) July 30, 2024

Six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar all died following the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.

Merseyside Police said an officer suffered a suspected broken nose and police vehicles have been damaged and set alight in the disturbances in Southport.

The force said: "At around 7.45pm, a large group of people - believed to be supporters of the English Defence League - began to throw items towards a local mosque on St Luke's Road in Southport.

"Officers who are deployed are currently dealing with criminal behaviour and violence with bottles and wheelie bins being thrown at them.

"Additional patrols are now in attendance, including the Dog Section."

Merseyside Police's Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss, said: "It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.

"In the last 24 hours, we have seen overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to deal with their loss and care for victims injured during the major incident.

"Yesterday, our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face.

"Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavour to prevent disorder.

"The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside."

The situation outside the mosque appeared to have calmed down as dark descended, with numbers on the street having thinned.

Two more fires, which appear to be wheelie bins, had been set alight, as one man shouted at police: "Why didn't you get the riot squad out in Leeds?"

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: "I am incredibly proud of my officers and staff who have worked so hard to save the lives of children, investigate the horrific incident from yesterday, working with partners to provide reassurance to our communities and now they are facing this level of violence from these thugs.

"Over 1000 residents from Southport came together this evening to remember the little girls who have died, those who are still critical in hospital and all those who witnessed and are traumatised by the events from yesterday. This is where all of our focus should be."

Many of those taking part in the vigil earlier outside Southport's Atkinson arts venue were in tears as they laid flowers and cards of remembrance.

David Clayton, the head of the school trust attended by Aguiar and King, said the girls "will be in our hearts forever", adding that "no words can do justice to what has happened here in Southport".

While Farnborough Road Infant School headteacher Jennifer Sephton said the school was "heartbroken and devastated" by the death of their pupil, Stancombe.

Earlier on Tuesday, both the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary were in Southport to pay their respects.

Sir Keir Starmer had told emergency responders: "I hope you feel proud of the part that you played in the most difficult circumstances, to do what you could for those young lives."

Home Secretary @YvetteCooperMP's full statement on the violence and disorder in Southport. pic.twitter.com/eKvFzIRIoz

— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) July 30, 2024

And later, Yvette Cooper released a statement condemning the evening's violence.

The Home Secretary made reference to her visit earlier in the day in which she saw a "grieving community pulling together" - but slammed the violence and disorder which erupted later as "disgraceful".

Cooper said: "This violent thuggery, which has overshadowed a peaceful vigil for three little girls, is an insult to the community and to all those who need the space to process what has happened and to heal."

She continued to describe the violence toward police officers - who she noted had already had to deal with "extraordinarily difficult circumstances this week" - as "appalling".