Several cities in the United Kingdom witnessed extreme chaos on Saturday (Aug 3) as right-wing protesters turned violent and staged attacks on riot police. In Liverpool, a crowd of people threw bricks, bottles, and flares at riot police, causing injuries to security officials and damage to police vehicles. Law enforcement personnel made multiple arrests in these areas while dealing with “serious disorder”.

In Sunderland, Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Mark Hall said four police officials were injured on Friday as a result of the violence. 

“During the course of the evening, our officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence,” he said. “Make no mistake, if you were involved last night, expect to be met with the full force of the law.”

The unrest also spread to Manchester, Sunderland, Hull, Belfast, and Leeds, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on Saturday, offering “full support” to police to take action against the “extremists”.

The PM added that the protesters wanted to “sow hate” among the people. Starmer said he backed the police to take “all necessary action to keep our streets safe.”

Earlier, the home secretary said people engaging in violent disorder “will pay the price”. “Criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain’s streets,” said Yvette Cooper.

The violence erupted earlier this week after a 17-year-old male was arrested for a stabbing incident in Southport, which resulted in the death of three young girls at a dance class. The incident triggered anti-immigrant protests in UK cities after rumours surfaced that the male was an immigrant and a Muslim.

Suspects under the age of 18 are not publicly identified as per UK law; however, given the severity of the case, Judge Andrew Menary ordered Axel Rudakubana, born in Wales to Rwandan parents, to be identified.

Dozens of protests are scheduled to take place over the weekend and the police have deployed thousands of officers onto the streets.

Watch: UK: Southport stabbing leads to riots and attack on Mosque

There were no reports of far-right marches in London but a large, peaceful pro-Palestinian march was organised on Saturday. Meanwhile, mosques around the country have been asked to stay alert and ramp up security measures.

(With inputs from agencies)