Chaos and destruction broke out in Southport, just hours after a vigil was held to honor the memories of three children k!lled in a tragic knife att@ck.
The unrest resulted in 39 police officers suffering !njuries, ranging from serious fractures and concussions to facial lacerations and head w0unds.
Three police dogs were also hurt, with two being att@cked with bricks.
The disorder, believed to involve supporters of the English Defence League, occurred mere streets away from the vigil site, near a mosque on St Luke’s Road. Rioters targeted the mosque, hurling bricks and setting fires to cars and trash bins.
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A nearby convenience store was also vandalised. Twenty-seven officers were hospitalised, while 12 received treatment at the scene.
To address the situation, a 24-hour Section 60 Order has reportedly been enacted, granting police enhanced stop and search powers.
Additionally, a Section 34 Order allows authorities to direct individuals engaging in antisocial behavior.
Merseyside Police has deployed extra officers to maintain a visible presence and reassure the community.
