Protesters clashed with police and set fires in Sunderland on Friday, escalating violence that began after the killing of three children in Southport on Monday.
Anti-immigrant demonstrators threw stones at police near a mosque, overturned vehicles, set a car on fire, and ignited a blaze next to a police office, according to the BBC.
Northumbria Police chief superintendent Helena Barron said, "The safety of the public is our utmost priority and when we became aware that a protest had been planned, we ensured there was an increased policing presence in the city."
"During the course of the evening, those officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence, which is utterly deplorable," Barron added.
Three police officers were hospitalised, and eight people have been arrested for offences such as violent disorder and burglary.
The Sunderland protest was one of more than a dozen planned by anti-immigration protesters across the UK, including near two mosques in Liverpool. Several anti-racism counter-protests were also planned. Police increased security nationwide, and mosques tightened their security measures.
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of the children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in Southport, a crime that has shocked the nation. Violent incidents followed in Southport, Hartlepool, and London due to false claims on social media that the suspect was a radical Islamist migrant. Police have clarified that the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, was born in Britain.
Earlier on Friday, prime minister Keir Starmer visited Southport for the second time since the murders. "As a nation, we stand with those who tragically have lost loved ones in the heinous attack in Southport," he said.
Police chiefs agreed to deploy more officers over the weekend to prevent further violence. Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council, said, "We will have surge capacity in our intelligence, in our briefing, and in the resources that are out in local communities."
Mosques are on heightened alert, with the Muslim Council of Britain coordinating increased security measures. Zara Mohammed, the council's secretary general, noted concerns for worshippers' safety following threatening calls.
Police in Southport are prepared for further protests, with extensive plans and resources to manage any disorder.
Northern Ireland police also plan a proportionate response to potential roadblocks and protests targeting an Islamic Centre in Belfast.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in northwest of London, in July 2024. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Crossbow murderer found guilty of raping ex-girlfriend
A 26-YEAR-OLD man who murdered three women in a crossbow and stabbing attack has been found guilty of raping one of them, his ex-girlfriend, a British court ruled on Thursday.
Kyle Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in Bushey, northwest of London, in July 2024.
The attack led to a manhunt before Clifford was found injured hours later in a north London cemetery.
A jury at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday convicted Clifford of raping 25-year-old Louise Hunt before killing her.
His sentencing for all the crimes is scheduled for Tuesday.
Clifford had admitted to murdering Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Louise and Hannah, 28. He had also pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment and possessing offensive weapons but denied raping Louise.
During the trial, the court heard that after killing Carol Hunt, Clifford waited for an hour before attacking Louise, tying her up, raping her, and then killing her with a crossbow. He later killed Hannah when she returned home from work.
The prosecution described Clifford, a former soldier, as committing a "violent, sexual act of spite" and said he was "enraged" after Louise ended their 18-month relationship. They told the court that he had "carefully planned" the attack.
Less than 24 hours before the killings, Clifford had searched for a podcast by social media influencer Andrew Tate, according to the prosecution. They argued that the murders were driven by the "violent misogyny promoted" by Tate.
Justice Joel Bennathan called Clifford’s crimes "dreadful" and "almost unspeakable".
(With inputs from AFP)