Dozens of police officers were injured in violent clashes that erupted in Southport following a vigil for three young girls killed in a knife attack.
Local MP Patrick Hurley blamed the unrest on “thugs” who traveled to the town to exploit the tragedy for their own political ends.
The disturbances, which saw bricks hurled at police and a police van set ablaze near a mosque, were described as “horrific” by Mr. Hurley. Merseyside Police Federation Chair Chris McGlade said over 50 officers were hurt in the “sustained and vicious attack.”
Police believe English Defence League supporters were involved in the violence. Mr. Hurley told BBC Radio 4 that the “riot” was orchestrated by “people from outside the town” who used the deaths of the children to further their own agenda.
McGlade emphasized that the injured officers were the same individuals who were grappling with the devastating impact of the knife attack.
He condemned the “mindless and violent thugs” responsible for the violence, vowing to bring them to justice.
