British police braced for more far-right violence over the weekend

3/8/2024 18:45

        Police are bracing for more violence Saturday following another night of rioting by far-right protesters that saw three officers hospitalized after a tense stand-off outside a mosque in northeast England.
        
        In the city of Sunderland, protesters Friday evening tossed beer barrels, fire extinguishers and rocks at police officers near the Muslim house of worship. A car was set ablaze, and a police station was attacked.
        
        The protests over the past few days and nights have ostensibly erupted after a 17-year-old was arrested over Monday's stabbing rampage at a dance class that left three girls dead and several wounded.
        
        False rumors spread online about the young man's identity, being a Muslim and an immigrant, fueled anger among far-right supporters. Suspects under 18 are usually not named in the U.K., but Judge Andrew Menary ordered Axel Rudakubana, born in Wales to Rwandan parents, to be identified, in part to stop the spread of misinformation.
        
        "Anyone involved in the disorder we have seen can expect to be dealt with robustly and that action has already begun," said Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Helena Barron. "Eight people have so far been arrested for a range of offenses, including violent disorder and burglary."