A far-right mob attacked a mosque in Southport, north-west England, during a vigil for three young girls who were fatally stabbed, PTI reported.
Around 40 police officers were injured in the unrest.
The report said that misinformation on social media about the ethnicity and religion of the 17-year-old suspect in custody led to the riot at the mosque on Tuesday night.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, stating it insulted the grieving community and promised that those responsible would face the full force of the law.
The victims of the stabbing were Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7. Eight others were seriously injured, five of whom remain in critical condition.
Merseyside Police stated the incident was not terror-related.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss emphasized the suspect was born in the UK and urged against speculation. The rioters caused significant damage, including setting cars on fire and attacking officers with bricks.
Strict legal orders have been enforced to curb violence and anti-social behavior. The local community supported the police, believing the mob was incited by outsiders.
Thousands attended the vigil to honor the victims and pray for the injured from the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper urged against spreading misinformation, highlighting the need for police to work without interference and for communities to grieve peacefully.
Taylor Swift fans have raised over GBP 215,000 for the funerals of the children and the families of the injured through a “Swifties for Southport” Just Giving page.
