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Kingdom – Violent clashes broke out on Tuesday in the northern England town where a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event claimed the lives of three children.
Around 100 protesters battled police and lit fires, with thick plumes of smoke rising above the front line, according to an AFP reporter at the scene.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a police van on fire and protesters pelting police with missiles, with a local mosque the apparent target.
Police have said they are not treating Monday’s attack as terror-related, but have not released any details of the suspected attacker other than that he is 17 years old and originally from Wales.
Merseyside Police said an officer suffered a suspected broken nose in the clashes, and that the protesters were “believed to be supporters” of the right-wing English Defence League.
“Officers who are deployed are currently dealing with criminal behaviour and violence with bottles and wheelie bins being thrown at them,” added the force.
The violence broke out shortly after a vigil was held in the town centre, where hundreds fell silent in tribute to the victims and in a show of support for those affected.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier visited the town, saying the tragedy “touches a nerve” with the whole country.
He was among a stream of people to pay tribute at the site of the attack that left five children and two adults with critical wounds. Three other children were hurt.
Laying flowers with hundreds of other wreaths, Starmer thanked emergency workers who responded to the stabbing spree and said: “I came here to pay my respects to the victims and families who are going through raw pain and grief that most of us can’t imagine — I can’t imagine, as a dad myself.
