WATCH: Demonstrations in Plymouth, England
Demonstrations persisted for a second day in the UK, notably in Plymouth, where crowds gathered before police while waving banners and chanting. (Reuters)
Protests erupted throughout the United Kingdom on Monday following several days of unrest triggered by the stabbing deaths of three young girls last week, marking the most severe turmoil the country has experienced in years.
In a viral social media video, a large group of rioters brandishing Palestinian flags were observed surrounding a pair of hatchback cars in Birmingham, as a man with a bullhorn commanded the crowd’s actions. At one point, one of the vehicles maneuvered through the throng and sought refuge on another road, fleeing the chaotic scene.
Another clip showed a different faction of anti-Israel demonstrators parading past a British pub, where a man stood outside. Although his words were inaudible in the video, he appeared to mock the marchers with gestures.
One of the demonstrators then faced off against the man, resulting in a brief skirmish that escalated when the protester punched him. The man collapsed, supported only by a nearby picnic table, as another protester approached and kicked him in the abdomen. Additional protesters, some waving Palestinian flags, joined in the assault.
UK RIOTS TRIGGER DEEPER UNREST, PM PROMISES TO ENFORCE ‘FULL FORCE OF LAW’
Demonstrators gather at Guildhall Square to confront counter-protesters in Plymouth, England, on August 5, 2024. (Behlul Cetinkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images)
In Plymouth, a massive crowd assembled in front of a line of riot-clad police officers. As dusk approached, fireworks were launched and violent altercations ensued.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday the establishment of a “standing army” of specialized police to address the rioting, alongside accelerating the justice system to manage the hundreds of arrests resulting from the recent chaos in cities nationwide.
“Regardless of their stated motivations, this is not civil protest; it is outright violence, and we will not accept assaults against mosques or our Muslim communities,” stated Starmer on Monday. “We will ensure that the full force of law is brought against anyone identified as participating.”
RIOTS ERUPT IN THE UK FOLLOWING STABBING INCIDENT INCORRECTLY ATTRIBUTED TO ASYLUM SEEKER
Law enforcement intervenes as demonstrators gather at Guildhall Square in Plymouth, England, on August 5, 2024. (Behlul Cetinkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Riots and protests involving hundreds have created turmoil across numerous towns and cities nationwide.
Numerous police officers have been hospitalized over the past six days, having sustained injuries from projectiles like bricks, bottles, and furniture.
On Sunday, enraged mobs vandalized two hotels accommodating asylum seekers, smashing windows and igniting fires before police dispersed the crowds and evacuated residents.
JOURNALIST VIOLENTLY ASSAULTED WHILE REPORTING ON SOUTHPORT PROTESTS IN ENGLAND, POLICE INITIALLY REFUSED ASSISTANCE
A man raises his arms while surrounded by police during a protest in Plymouth, England, on August 5, 2024. (Behlul Cetinkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Starmer attributed the violence to false information circulating on social media, which incited outrage following a stabbing incident that resulted in the deaths of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport.
Incorrect social media claims suggested the suspected attacker was a radical Islamist who had recently come to Britain. However, police identified the suspect as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, who was born in Wales to Rwandan parents, stating that there is no indication of terrorism linked to the case.
Typically, suspects under 18 in the UK are not publicly named, but the judge ruled in this case to disclose the suspect’s identity to combat misinformation. The teenager has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder.
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A Starmer spokesperson noted on Monday that social media platforms have fallen short in mitigating the spread of misinformation, with some of it stemming from foreign governments.
Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz and Stephen Sorace, along with the Associated Press, contributed to this report.
