Chief constable expects protests from group reportedly linked to English Defence League to last into next week
Police are braced for further violence from far-right agitators in Southport in the days ahead as the seaside town struggles to come to terms with a knife attack that killed three children and left several others in a critical condition.
More than 50 police officers were were hurt in the violence on Tuesday night, with injuries including fractures, cuts and concussion. By Wednesday evening, four men aged 31-39 had been arrested on suspicion of offences including violent disorder, affray and possession of a bladed article. Kennedy warned more arrests would be made.
Special powers – known as section 60 and section 34 orders – are in place giving officers authority to stop and search individuals and direct people who are engaging in antisocial behaviour. On Wednesday, the metro mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotheram, speaking in Southport, said: “They were people from outside the area, with one intent, and that was to stir division, and the people round here won’t allow that to happen.”
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