More than 50 officers injured as ‘thugs bring violence to the streets of a devastated community’

Of the 53 injured, 49 were Merseyside Police officers and four were Lancashire Police officers. Eight sustained serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion and were treated in hospital.

Other officers have suffered varying degrees of injury including head injuries, serious facial injuries and one was knocked unconscious.

Merseyside Police believes those involved in the violent demonstrations in a community “still reeling from an unimaginable tragedy” were supporters of the English Defence League, with bricks, bottles and wheelie bins being thrown at officers. Police vehicles were also damaged and set alight.

The violence erupted at around 7.45pm after bricks were thrown at the local Mosque hours after the town held a vigil for those killed and injured in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed children’s dance class.

Three girls were killed in the attack in Southport on Monday (July 29) – Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. Eight other children were injured, with five of them in critical condition in hospital. Two adults who tried to protect them also remain in critical condition.

A 17-year-old male from Banks in Lancashire, who was born in Cardiff, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

He has now been named as Axel Rudakubana, after reporting restrictions preventing him from being identified were lifted when he appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (August 1).

He has been charged with the murders of the three girls, ten counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.

A plea and trial preparation hearing has been set for October 25 at Liverpool Crown Court, with Rudakubana remanded in youth custody.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “Whilst these charges are a significant milestone within this investigation, this remains very much a live investigation and we continue to work with our partners from Lancashire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW).

“I would like to thank all of the forces who have offered and supplied support to Merseyside Police during the last three days and I can confirm that we are being supported with investigative resources from across the North West.”

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.

“We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time.”

He added: “It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.

“In the last 24 hours, we have seen overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to deal with their loss and care for victims injured during the major incident.

“Yesterday, our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face. Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavour to prevent disorder.

“The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside.

“Our officers should not have to face this, but we will be there tonight to ensure the safety of the local community who have suffered enough, and will arrest those involved in criminal behaviour.”

The College of Policing condemned the “disgusting scenes where a minority of thugs chose to use this appalling tragedy to bring violence to the streets of a devastated community”.

Merseyside Police Federation also condemned the actions of “these mindless and violent thugs”.

Protestors set alight cars belonging to members of the public, damaged a local convenience store and set wheelie bins on fire.

Merseyside Police said three police dogs were also injured.

“Police Dogs Zoe and Ike have sustained leg injuries from bricks thrown at them. A third dog, PD Quga, who was bitten, strangled and kicked by an offender at the beginning of this month, has tonight suffered burns to her back leg,” it said.

Mr Goss said: “Tonight, Merseyside Police has faced serious violence in Southport and I am so proud to have witnessed off-duty officers (many of whom had not long finished a full shift) parade back on duty to support their colleagues who had displayed such courage whilst under constant and sustained attack.

“I would also like to thank officers from Greater Manchester Police, Cheshire Police, Lancashire Police and North Wales Police who also provided mutual aid and support.

“Sadly, offenders have destroyed garden walls so they could use the bricks to attack our officers and have set cars belonging to the public on fire, and damaged cars parked in the Mosque car park.

“This is no way to treat a community, least of all a community that is still reeling from the events of Monday.

“We would appeal to anyone who has information or video footage of those involved in this shocking behaviour to come forward so we can identify and arrest those responsible.”

Merseyside Police said the families of the three girls who were “tragically killed” in Monday’s attack in Southport on Monday (29 July) are being supported by specialist officers and they have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.

Bebe King’s family have shared the following tribute: “No words can describe the devastation that has hit our family as try to deal with the loss of our little girl Bebe.”

The family of Alice Dasilva Aguiar paid this tribute: “Keep smiling and dancing like you love to do our Princess, like we said before to you, you’re always our princess and no one would change that. Love from Your Hero Daddy and Mummy.”

In a statement following Monday’s knife attack, Ms Kennedy said: “My officers were called to reports of a stabbing at 11.47am at an address Southport. When they arrived they were shocked to find that multiple people, many of whom were children, had been subjected to a ferocious attack and had suffered serious injuries.

“It is understood that the children were attending a Taylor Swift event at a dance school when the offender, who was armed with a knife, walked into the premises and started to attack those inside. We believe that the adults who were injured were trying to protect the children at the time they were attacked.

“As a mum of two daughters, and the nanna of a five-year-old granddaughter, I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering the families of the victims are currently going through and I want to send them our heartfelt condolences and sympathies.

“Our specialist family liaison officers are providing support to the families at this terrible time.”

Chris McGlade, chair of Merseyside Police Federation, said: “Merseyside is reeling from an unimaginable tragedy. An incident that has left us all shocked as human beings.

“We are equally shocked as police officers.

“The very same courageous officers who are themselves trying to come to terms with what has happened in Southport this week came under a sustained and vicious attack last night.

“It is utterly disgusting that more than 50 police officers were injured.

“Brave colleagues have been left with fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.

“I utterly condemn the actions of these mindless and violent thugs – and they will be brought to justice for their actions.

“The Federation are supporting our injured colleagues at this horrific time and send them our best wishes – as I know the rest of the country will do.

“Police officers are not robots. We are mothers and fathers. Sons and daughters. Husbands, wives and partners.

“We should be going home at the end of our shifts.

“Not to hospital.”

College of Policing chief executive officer, Chief Constable, Sir Andy Marsh, said: “The horrific act of violence in Southport has left families grieving and a whole community in a state of total shock. My thoughts remain with all those affected. I cannot begin the imagine what they will be going through at this time. Their grief must be at the forefront of our minds and in our thoughts.

“Last night we witnessed disgusting scenes where a minority of thugs chose to use this appalling tragedy to bring violence to the streets of a devastated community. They attacked a place of worship where people find solace and they injured my colleagues, the very same officers who would likely have responded to this incident just hours before.

“I’m very grateful to the officers who dealt with this inexcusable violence and to those from surrounding forces who provided mutual aid. They want to be in their communities supporting people to deal with the aftermath of this attack – they do not deserve to be pelted with bricks by mindless thugs. I know Merseyside Police will be providing them with support and I wish those injured a speedy recovery.

“Above all I continue to hold the families involved in this unspeakable tragedy in my thoughts.”

Merseyside’s police and crime commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “I cannot even begin to imagine how the people of Southport are feeling today. A community trying to come to terms with the most unimaginable tragedy, rooted in grief, subjected to such mindless displays of violence.

“I am totally appalled by the senseless behaviour from those individuals who came to Southport last night with the sole intention of bringing mayhem and disorder to our streets. Streets that, just hours before, were full of compassion, of love, and unity, in memory of the three little girls killed in Monday’s horrendous attack, as well as all those injured and deeply affected.

“The same community which is trying to come to terms with the horrific scenes they witnessed on Monday have this morning come together, to clean the debris from their streets, left behind in the wake of last night’s disgraceful scenes. Many of them having had their own property vandalised, walls knocked over, vehicles set alight, and are now left counting the cost of such abhorrent behaviour.

“My heart goes out to everybody in those communities, and I hope they can find some comfort in the love and support they will receive from across Merseyside today, and in the days to come.

“I also want to pay tribute to the Merseyside Police officers who came under attack last night. Their bravery, dedication, and commitment to put the safety of our communities before their own cannot be overstated. As ever, we are in their debt.

“These are the same heroic police officers who were back on shift after responding to the knife incident the day before. The same officers who ran towards danger on Monday and, along with our other blue light services helped to save lives and care for the injured. The same officers faced with such awful and hateful behaviour from individuals seeking to use this tragedy to spread fear and hate, whilst risking the lives of the wider community.

“That 53 officers and three police dogs suffered injuries at those hands of these thugs is reprehensible and shameful. My thoughts are with them, and I wish them all a speedy and full recovery.

“The individuals that caused those injuries and took part in those appalling scenes are not representative of the people of Merseyside. The violence and hatred they peddle will never be welcome here. I know that officers are working around the clock to identify those who incited and took part in last night’s events, and I’m assured that once identified they will feel the full weight of the law.”

“Southport is a beautiful place. A seaside town, that brings joy to many families, now suffering with unspeakable heartache, reeling from mindless violence and at the centre of a media storm. I want to reassure our communities that peace will return to their streets.

“Detectives are continuing to question a suspect and whilst I can understand the anger and frustration many may be feeling, I would ask urge people to show patience whilst this investigation continues and let the police do their job. This is vital if we are to get justice for the families of Bebe, Elsie, and Alice.

“In the coming days I will be meeting with our partners to discuss what took place and how we can work together to prevent any repeat of such unacceptable violence and disorder, while also providing vital reassurance and support to our communities.

“High visibility patrols will continue in these areas and a dispersal order is in place. Work will continue in the days and weeks ahead to reassure and support people living in Southport and keep our communities safe.”

As a result of the disorder, a 24-hour Section 60 Order was introduced in the area and extra officers will remain in the area to provide a visible presence to reassure communities.

The Order, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, gives officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals in the area and is designed to minimise serious violence.

A Section 34 Order has also been introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, giving officers powers to direct people who are engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents. These powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area and going about their daily business.

Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour. Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.