Starmer to meet with police chiefs after ‘extremely violent’ riots erupt again over Southport tragedy
SIR Keir Starmer will today demand police chiefs crack down on the “mindless violence” displayed by thugs following the Southport killings.
The PM is hauling the top cops into No10 this afternoon to ensure the rioting yobs responsible “face the full force of the law”.
More than 100 people were arrested last night after unrest erupted outside Downing Street that saw ugly clashes between protesters and police.
Flares were hurled at the famous black gates on Whitehall, while beer cans and glass bottles were also lobbed during the skirmishes.
Meanwhile in Hartlepool more louts chucked bricks at officers and torched a cop car.
It followed similar disorder in Southport on Tuesday near to the tragic killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
At an urgent meeting today, Sir Keir will warn chief constables that criminals must not be allowed to “exploit” protest rights to “sow hatred and carry out violent acts”.
He will remind them not to “hesitate” to use their powers “to stop mindless violence in its tracks and make sure justice is served”.
Officers wielding shields were forced to push hundreds of demonstrators away as they slung around a dozen glass bottles towards the police.
Footage shared on social media from London on Wednesday night showed flares lit in the street as members of the crowd chanted “save our kids” loudly and waved national flags.
Other protesters – many of whom were suspected of being from the far-right – attempted to kick down a fence and were confronted by riot police while some set off firecrackers sparking loud bangs.
Large crowds were seen holding their fists in the air with numerous police vans lined up in front of The Cenotaph.
The demonstration named ‘Enough is Enough’ saw attendees told that they can only protest in Whitehall between 7pm and 8.30pm.
Superintendent Neil Holyoak, who led the policing operation, said: “Following the tragic events in Southport, it is understandable the public have strong feelings about this shocking incident – but the subsequent violent, unlawful disorder that unfolded was completely unacceptable and driven by misinformation.
“Everyone has a right to protest and we continue to balance the right to lawful protest with everyone’s right to go about their lives without fear or serious disruption – which is why we have put conditions in place and deployed more officers across London.”
The rioting followed a frenzied stabbing attack in Southport on Monday at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.
The attack saw Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, fatally stabbed.
Speculation about the alleged attacker’s identity circulated online, seeing the tension that already existed after Monday’s horrific attack explode into riots.
Despite social media claims, cops stressed that the suspect was born in Cardiff.
Southport locals last night condemned the explosion of violence following the killings.
Among them was Norman Wallis, 61, who said: “It was mayhem here,
like a war-zone. But this wasn’t the people of Southport. It was organised criminals who have hijacked our town’s collective grief.
“They haven’t got the slightest care or consideration for how the families of the children are feeling.”
