Violence Erupts in Sunderland Amid Anti-Immigration Protests

Protesters attacked police and set fires in Sunderland following the killing of three children in Southport. Anti-immigration demonstrators overturned vehicles and started a fire. Police were met with serious violence, leading to several arrests. Counter-protests and increased police presence were noted across the UK to prevent further violence.

Protesters attacked police and ignited fires in Sunderland on Friday as unrest followed the killing of three children in Southport. Anti-immigrant demonstrators in the northeast English city threw stones at police, overturned vehicles, and set a fire near a mosque, according to the BBC.

Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Helena Barron emphasized public safety as a priority. She stated, "During the course of the evening those officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence, which is utterly deplorable." Three officers required hospital treatment, and eight arrests were made for violent disorder and burglary.

The Sunderland demonstration was part of broader anti-immigration protests across the UK. Counter-protests were also planned, with British police and mosques nationwide heightening security. The violence followed misinformation that the suspect in the Southport murders was a radical Islamist migrant. Police clarified that the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, was born in Britain. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and police chiefs called for unity and swift justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)