The wave of violent unrest across the United Kingdom continued on Monday night, with protests erupting in Belfast, Darlington, and Plymouth. Police officers were attacked, and at least six arrests were made in Plymouth, while several officers sustained minor injuries.
In South Belfast, protesters threw stones and petrol bombs at riot police, and a supermarket was set on fire. The unrest, which has led to around 400 arrests so far, was initially sparked by a vigil for victims of a mass stabbing in Southport.
This unrest has resulted in approximately 400 arrests since it began, initially sparked by a vigil for victims of a mass stabbing in Southport. The protests have been characterized by clashes between anti-racist and far-right demonstrators, particularly in Plymouth, where violence broke out amid a counter-protest. Authorities noted that misinformation regarding the identity of the stabbing suspect has fueled the unrest, leading to heightened tensions and public disorder.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the riots, labeling them as far-right extremism, and pledged to enhance legal measures to combat the violence. The government is also collaborating with social media platforms to address the spread of misinformation that has contributed to the unrest.