Police van set on fire as protest erupts in Southport

A police van was torched during a protest just hours after a vigil was held following a knife attack in which three children were killed.

The protest, which police said involved supporters of the English Defense League, began just a few blocks away from the vigil, near a mosque on St Luke’s Road in Southport.

Merseyside Police said one officer suffered a suspected broken nose and police vehicles were damaged and set on fire during the disturbance at around 7.45pm BST.

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “It is appalling to see this happen in a community which has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.”

The protest comes after a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following a knife attack on Hart Street in the seaside town on Monday.

Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed in the stabbing, which took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop , intended for children between the ages of six and 10.

Five other children remain in hospital, as well as two adults in critical condition.

ACC Goss added: “Yesterday our officers and other members of the emergency services faced one of the most difficult situations they will ever face.

“Tonight, they find themselves under attack as they strive to prevent mayhem.”

ACC Goss said the protest involved many people “who don’t live in the Merseyside area and don’t care about the people of Merseyside”.

“There has been much speculation and conjecture as to the status of a 17-year-old male currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets,” he added.

Families living nearby told the BBC they feared for their safety as stones flew past and police officers rushed to don riot gear and raise shields.

“I can’t believe this is happening in Southport,” shouted a young woman from the front of the car as she tried to shoo her young daughter away.