Protesters and counter-protesters clashed in various locations across the UK on Saturday following the tragic knife attack that resulted in the deaths of three young girls in Southport. Additional protests were held in Leeds, Belfast, and Liverpool, while increased policing measures were implemented in Manchester and Bristol to anticipate potential unrest. Violent altercations occurred in south Belfast, prompting the Crown Prosecution Service to assign 70 extra prosecutors to support law enforcement efforts over the weekend. The protests come in the aftermath of a week of turmoil in England following the tragic incident in Southport. Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, has been charged in connection with the murders and other offenses. The unrest has spread to various cities including Sunderland, where three police officers were injured and ten arrests were made. Authorities are investigating the incidents and have warned of consequences for those responsible. More protests are expected throughout the weekend, with police preparing for potential disorder.
On Sunday in Bristol city centre, Merseysideās Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims stated that the force is fully prepared to deal with anyone intent on causing disorder.
Enhanced stop-and-search powers were introduced for parts of Liverpool on Saturday by the force.
Police Scotland mentioned that there is no intelligence suggesting violent protests are likely in Scotland, but they are closely monitoring the situation.
The Metropolitan Police, responsible for policing a pre-planned pro-Palestine protest, assured on Friday that they have sufficient resources and plans in place to deal with any situation.
Clashes on Saturday
On Saturday afternoon, the police sealed off several roads near Queenās University Belfast as a large group of protesters gathered in south Belfast, resulting in violent skirmishes.
Groups of demonstrators at the Pier Head in Liverpool were separated by a line of police.
Outside the Mersey Ferry terminal, a crowd with union flags shouting āstop the boatsā clashed with anti-fascist protesters from a rally at St Georgeās Hall.
In Leeds, protesters marched through the city centre chanting slogans, with police eventually intervening to control the situation.
In Nottingham, scuffles broke out as opposing groups faced each other, with items being thrown from both sides.
Tensions also began to rise in Blackpool.
Badenoch: Integration Needed
Following the violent disorders, politicians across the spectrum criticized āthe far right,ā with Labour mayor McGuinness praising the people of Sunderland for cleaning up the wreckage of the riot together.
Tory leadership contender Priti Patel demanded Parliament be recalled and criticized the government response, while shadow housing secretary Kemi Badenoch emphasized the need for a clearer strategy on integration in the UK.
The recent events coincided with the detention and release of anti-Islamist activist Tommy Robinson, adding to the tensions.
PA Media contributed to this report.
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