News
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
News
Over 60 Injured in Drone Strike on Northern Israel
More than 60 people have been injured following a drone strike in northern Israel’s Binyamina region, according to emergency response organization United Hatzalah. The attack, claimed by Hezbollah, targeted a training camp of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Golani Brigade, located between Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The victims, whose conditions range from critical to mild, were evacuated to five regional hospitals via ambulances and helicopters. Israeli media reported that 67 people were injured in total, with four in critical condition and five others seriously wounded.
Hezbollah’s media office said the strike was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut earlier this week. The group used a “swarm of drones” in the attack, and reports suggest the low-level drones launched from Lebanon did not trigger Israel’s early warning alarms.
Footage showed wounded individuals being rushed into emergency vehicles, including helicopters, as medical teams worked swiftly to provide care. The injured were taken to hospitals in Hadera, Tel Hashomer, Haifa, Afula, and Netanya, where medical teams are working to stabilize those in critical condition.
News
Officials Urge Caution in Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: ‘Don’t Go Sightseeing’
Although Hurricane Milton has passed, officials are warning residents across Florida to remain cautious as the storm’s lingering effects, including severe flooding, continue to pose risks. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, rescue teams have been hard at work after the river overflowed, causing over 6 feet (1.8 meters) of flooding. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, traveling by boat, has been ensuring the safety of residents in the flood-affected areas.
While multiple Florida ports have reopened, including Key West, Port Everglades, and Miami, several remain closed, such as those in St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville. Georgia and South Carolina have also seen some port reopenings, but many areas still face closures and flooding risks.
President Biden provided an update on the storm’s damage, estimating the total cost to be around $50 billion. He emphasized that more financial aid would be necessary and called on Congress to approve additional funds as the true extent of the damage is assessed.
Officials are also urging people to stay off the roads and avoid “sightseeing” in affected areas to prevent further accidents or fatalities. “We’re going to need a lot of help,” Biden said, stressing the long recovery ahead after Milton and Hurricane Helene, which struck the region just weeks earlier.
News
Florida Reels as Hurricane Milton Leaves Six Dead and Destruction in its Wake
At least six people have died after Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, leaving behind a trail of destruction. As emergency responders navigate floodwaters and clear debris from fallen trees and power lines, the full extent of the storm’s toll remains unclear.
In St. Lucie County, four people lost their lives after multiple tornadoes struck the region. In central Florida’s St. Petersburg, police chief Anthony Halloway confirmed two more deaths.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, acknowledging the uncertain scope of the damage and the dangers that remain. He emphasized that while the storm has passed, the aftermath can often bring additional fatalities. “There’s still very dangerous conditions in the state,” Biden warned.
He also stressed the need for substantial financial aid to support the state’s recovery. Biden called on Congress, currently in recess, to return and address the urgent emergency funding needs, underscoring that Florida’s recovery will be a “long haul” requiring billions of dollars in aid.
The president assured that immediate relief efforts are underway, ensuring that residents affected by the storm receive the support they need.
-
Spotlight2 days ago
Discover the Best Hotels in Ojodu: A Stay at Mountain Top Suites and Apartments
-
News5 days ago
Florida Reels as Hurricane Milton Leaves Six Dead and Destruction in its Wake
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Chris Brown Concert Sparks Debate on Gender-Based Violence in South Africa
-
Tech5 days ago
Microsoft Unveils AI Tools to Support Doctors and Nurses and Ease Workload
-
Sports2 days ago
Sinner Triumphs in Shanghai, Denies Djokovic’s 100th Title Bid
-
Politics2 days ago
Trump Vows to Impose Massive Tariffs to Protect American Car Industry
-
News2 days ago
Over 60 Injured in Drone Strike on Northern Israel
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Coldplay’s ‘Moon Music’ Dominates UK Charts, Outselling Entire Top 40