The mother of a seven-year-old girl who was murdered in Southport has urged an end to violence after riots left 39 police officers injured.
Elsie Dot Stancombe, along with six-year-old Bebe King and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, were killed in a knife attack on Monday during a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop.
Following a peaceful vigil attended by thousands, some rioters showed “no respect to a town that’s grieving,” torching a police van and injuring 39 officers and three dogs. Among the injured, 27 required hospital treatment.
Jenni Stancombe, Elsie’s mother, appealed on social media for calm, praising the police for their efforts over the past 24 hours.
Eight other children were injured, with five in critical condition, alongside two women who were also critically hurt while trying to protect the children.
The local community responded by offering safe spaces and organising clean-up crews. Builders provided free services to repair damage caused by the rioters.
The Bishop of Liverpool, John Perumbalath, praised the community for uniting through their grief. Labour MP for Southport, Patrick Hurley, condemned the rioters, whom he described as “beered-up thugs” who had come from outside Southport to exploit the tragic deaths for political purposes.
The Prime Minister and Home Secretary joined police chiefs in condemning the violence that erupted shortly after the vigil. A 32-year-old man was arrested for carrying a flick knife near the vigil site.
Rioters falsely believed the suspect was an asylum seeker. The 17-year-old boy accused of the attack is originally from Cardiff but now lives in Banks, Lancashire.
Merseyside Police warned against spreading misinformation, stating that 27 officers were taken to hospital with serious injuries, including fractures and concussions. Three police dogs were also injured.
The angry mob, believed to be English Defence League supporters, targeted the Southport Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre, hurling rubble at police officers. One Southport resident described fleeing with his family to avoid the violence.
The Prime Minister stated that the rioters had “hijacked” the vigil and would face the full force of the law. The Home Secretary urged respect for the grieving community and police.
A 24-hour Section 60 Order was introduced in the riot-affected area, with extra officers deployed. Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss commended off-duty officers who returned to support their colleagues.
Local mosque groups condemned the violence, stressing unity. The Liverpool Region Mosque Network highlighted the need to stand together against hatred and division.
The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the far-right rioters and the misinformation that fueled the violence. Downing Street also warned against speculation that could inflame community tensions.
During the demonstration, police were attacked with stones and bottles, with one officer suffering a suspected broken nose. Rioters set cars and wheelie bins on fire and looted shops.
The three murdered girls were among 11 children stabbed during the attack. Five other children and two women remain in critical condition. As thousands attended the emotional vigil, protests erupted with rioters clashing with police.
Police officers donned helmets and riot gear to protect themselves. Missiles and fireworks were thrown, leading to further injuries among the officers.
As the violence continued into the night, rioters set up burning barricades, hurling bricks and concrete at police. By 8pm, around 500 rioters had gathered outside the mosque, trapping 40 officers.
Assistant Chief Constable Goss condemned the violence and urged people not to speculate about the suspect. He emphasized that the suspect was born in the UK and that speculation was unhelpful.
In a separate incident, a 32-year-old man was arrested for carrying a flick knife near the vigil. Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy highlighted the devastating impact of knife crime and the importance of community cooperation to ensure safety.
At the vigil, tearful locals laid flowers outside the Atkinson building. Among the tributes were Taylor Swift-style friendship bracelets, symbolizing the children’s love for dancing.
The families and schools of the victims released tributes, expressing their grief and love for the children. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital confirmed that seven children were taken there for treatment, with two remaining in critical condition.
The head of the school trust attended by Alice and Bebe said the girls would remain in their hearts forever. Churchtown Primary School headteacher described the children as joyful and kind, emphasizing the impact they had on the community.
Relatives of Alice expressed their heartbreak over the loss. Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy praised her officers for their bravery and condemned the violence from the rioters.
MP Mr Hurley condemned the attacks on police and urged the community to stay safe. The Southport Mosque and Liverpool Region Mosque Network expressed shock and sadness, urging unity and condemning the violence.
The Muslim Council of Britain called for action against far-right extremism and Islamophobia. Downing Street stressed the need to avoid speculation and allow police to conduct their investigation.
Community leaders and politicians emphasized the importance of unity and support for the grieving families and the police. Social media companies were urged to take responsibility for misinformation that fueled the violence.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and bringing those responsible for the violence to justice.
