WHITEHALL, LONDON - On Wednesday, riot police made multiple arrests during a protest outside Downing Street against the deadly mass stabbing attack on children attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday. The suspect has been identified as the teen son of African migrants, who has been accused of allegedly killing three children, ages six, seven, and nine while leaving seven others in critical condition. A total of thirteen people were stabbed.
Police officers equipped with batons, shields, and other crowd control munitions kettled the group of protesters before making mass arrests outside the prime minister's residence around 9 pm, video footage shows.
The heavy police response was reportedly to thwart a second night of rioting over the matter after demonstrators rioted in Southport the evening prior, according to UK Metropolitan Police.
Video footage shows police kettling the non-violent protesters and then refusing their requests to leave. Authorities carried out arrests one by one on accusations of unlawful protest, or public disorder.
On Tuesday, authorities reported that more than 50 police officers were injured during Tuesday night's civil unrest in Southport during a vigil for the children killed in the attack, which resulted in the arrest of four individuals, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Met Police released a statement prior to Wednesday's protest in Whitehall and said: "Following the tragic events in Southport, it is understandable the public have strong feelings about this shocking incident - but the subsequent violent, unlawful disorder that unfolded was completely unacceptable."
The demonstrations and unrest come after a 17-year-old African boy allegedly went on a mass stabbing spree, attacking and killing children attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class around 11:30 am at the Hope of Hart children's club in Southport. The suspect is reportedly the son of Rwandan immigrants, per reports.
Singer Taylor Swift released a statement following the tragedy and wrote: "The horror of yesterday's attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I'm just completely in shock. The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders. These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families."
A fundraiser has been set up by "Swifties" for the victims.
Police officers equipped with batons, shields, and other crowd control munitions kettled the group of protesters before making mass arrests outside the prime minister's residence around 9 pm, video footage shows.
The heavy police response was reportedly to thwart a second night of rioting over the matter after demonstrators rioted in Southport the evening prior, according to UK Metropolitan Police.
Video footage shows police kettling the non-violent protesters and then refusing their requests to leave. Authorities carried out arrests one by one on accusations of unlawful protest, or public disorder.
On Tuesday, authorities reported that more than 50 police officers were injured during Tuesday night's civil unrest in Southport during a vigil for the children killed in the attack, which resulted in the arrest of four individuals, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Met Police released a statement prior to Wednesday's protest in Whitehall and said: "Following the tragic events in Southport, it is understandable the public have strong feelings about this shocking incident - but the subsequent violent, unlawful disorder that unfolded was completely unacceptable."
"Everyone has a right to protest and we continue to balance the right to lawful protest with everyone's right to go about their lives without fear or serious disruption - which is why we have put conditions in place and deployed more officers across London," said Superintendant Neil Holyoak. "I urge everyone to exercise their right to protest calmly and within the law. Any disorder will be dealt with swiftly."
The demonstrations and unrest come after a 17-year-old African boy allegedly went on a mass stabbing spree, attacking and killing children attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class around 11:30 am at the Hope of Hart children's club in Southport. The suspect is reportedly the son of Rwandan immigrants, per reports.
Singer Taylor Swift released a statement following the tragedy and wrote: "The horror of yesterday's attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I'm just completely in shock. The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders. These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families."
A fundraiser has been set up by "Swifties" for the victims.
