Connect with us

News

Southport Violence Blamed on “Thugs” Using Tragedy for Political Gain, MP Says

Published

on

Southport Violence Blamed on "Thugs" Using Tragedy for Political Gain, MP Says

The town of Southport has been rocked by violence in the aftermath of a knife attack at a local dance school, which claimed the lives of three young girls. According to the town’s MP, Patrick Hurley, “thugs” who traveled to Southport exploited the tragedy “for their own political purposes,” leading to unrest that injured dozens of police officers.

The disturbance followed a peaceful vigil held to honor the victims of Monday’s attack at Hart Space studio on Hart Street, where six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar were tragically killed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop.

The unrest unfolded near a mosque in the Merseyside town, with officers being pelted with bricks and a police van set on fire. Chris McGlade of the Merseyside Police Federation reported that over 50 police officers were injured in what he described as a “sustained and vicious attack.”

Advertisement

Merseyside Police indicated that supporters of the English Defence League were involved in the violence. MP Patrick Hurley stated that the “riot” was orchestrated by individuals from outside the town, who had taken the train into Southport to use the “deaths of three little kiddies for their own political purposes.”

Mr. McGlade condemned the actions of those responsible, calling them “mindless and violent thugs” and pledging that they would be brought to justice. He noted that the officers injured in the violence were the same “courageous officers” grappling with the “unimaginable tragedy” of the attack.

The disorder began after a group gathered near a mosque on St Luke’s Road, just two streets from the site of the attack, following rumors of a planned demonstration. The group engaged in a standoff with police officers, escalating to an assault on the mosque involving bricks, bottles, fireworks, and rocks. Officers used riot shields for protection as wheelie bins and other objects were thrown at them, and a police vehicle was set ablaze.

Advertisement

Merseyside Police stated that the violence was fueled by social media posts falsely linking the stabbings to Islamist extremism. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had earlier warned about the spread of disinformation related to the attack. Authorities confirmed that the 17-year-old suspect, who was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, has no known links to Islam.

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss emphasized that speculation about the suspect, who was born in the UK, was unhelpful, stating that some individuals were using the situation to “bring violence and disorder to our streets.”

In response to the violence, a 24-hour Section 60 Order was enacted, granting police enhanced stop and search powers, and a Section 34 Order was introduced, allowing police to disperse individuals engaged in or likely to engage in antisocial behavior.

Advertisement

Merseyside Police assured the public that additional officers would remain in the area to provide a visible presence and reassure the community. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned those who “hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery,” stating on X that they had insulted the community and would “feel the full force of the law.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas Commander Over War Crimes

Published

on

ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas Commander Over War Crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The ICC’s pre-trial chamber stated that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe all three men bear responsibility for atrocities committed during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. These include allegations of murder, persecution, torture, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war.

For Netanyahu and Gallant, the charges stem from Israel’s military response to Hamas’s deadly October 7, 2023, attack, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 abducted to Gaza. Gaza’s Hamas-led health ministry reports over 44,000 deaths during Israel’s subsequent military campaign.

Advertisement

The ICC accuses Deif, Hamas’s military leader, of orchestrating crimes such as murder, extermination, rape, and hostage-taking during the initial attack. Despite Israel’s claim that Deif was killed in an airstrike in July, the ICC included him in the warrants.

Reactions

  • Israel dismissed the ICC’s decision as “antisemitic” and reaffirmed its stance that the court lacks jurisdiction over the matter, as Israel is not a signatory to the ICC.
  • Hamas hailed the warrants for Israeli leaders as a “historic precedent,” while rejecting the charges against its own commander.
  • United States condemned the ICC’s actions, while European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for respecting and implementing the court’s decisions.

The warrants raise questions about enforcement, as neither Israel nor Hamas recognize the ICC, and compliance depends on the court’s 124 member states. The development marks a pivotal moment in international law’s attempt to address the human toll of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Continue Reading

News

Trump Appoints Linda McMahon and Mehmet Oz to High-Profile Roles

Published

on

Trump Appoints Linda McMahon and Mehmet Oz to High-Profile Roles

US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and a long-time ally, as his pick for education secretary. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity doctor and former TV host, has been chosen to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

McMahon, who led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, is known for her close ties to the president-elect. She has limited experience in education but has served on Connecticut’s state board of education and currently chairs the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute. Trump has tasked her with advancing his controversial plan to dismantle the Department of Education and return educational oversight to the states.

On Truth Social, Trump praised McMahon, highlighting her advocacy for parental rights and her commitment to decentralizing federal control over education. With a Republican-majority Senate, her confirmation is expected to proceed smoothly.

Advertisement

Dr. Oz’s appointment to CMS marks another headline-grabbing selection. Known for his television career and health advice, Oz’s approach has faced scrutiny from medical professionals in the past. His role will involve overseeing critical federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, which serve millions of Americans.

Trump also announced Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, as his pick for commerce secretary, underscoring a pattern of selecting loyal allies and high-profile figures for his administration.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Jimmy Lai Denies Foreign Collusion in Landmark Hong Kong Trial

Published

on

Jimmy Lai Denies Foreign Collusion in Landmark Hong Kong Trial

Jimmy Lai, the 76-year-old pro-democracy advocate and founder of Hong Kong’s now-shuttered Apple Daily, has denied allegations of collusion with foreign forces during his first testimony in a national security trial that could result in a life sentence.

Facing accusations tied to his foreign contacts, including former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Taiwan’s ex-President Tsai Ing-wen, Lai firmly stated in court on Wednesday, “Never.”

Dressed in a brown jacket and glasses, Lai appeared in good spirits despite visibly losing weight since his arrest. Smiling and waving to supporters outside the courtroom, he received warm encouragement from dozens of well-wishers who queued to show their solidarity.

Advertisement

When questioned about his interactions with international figures, Lai said his meetings were purely informational. Regarding a meeting with Pence, Lai stated, “I would just relay to him what happened in Hong Kong when he asked me.” As for then U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, he explained that he asked Pompeo “not to do something but to say something, to voice support for Hong Kong.”

Lai is already serving multiple sentences for his alleged role in the 2019 pro-democracy protests that prompted Beijing to implement the sweeping National Security Law (NSL). His trial follows the sentencing of 45 activists from the “Hong Kong 47” group earlier this week, including prominent figures Benny Tai and Joshua Wong.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending