Violent protests grip the country amid fears of more to come

Around 90 people were arrested after violence and disorder broke out across the country in another night of unrest on Saturday, with police warning more violence was likely in the coming days.

Several cities in England and Northern Ireland were the scene of violent clashes involving far-right protesters, with dozens of police officers injured.

There was unrest in Manchester, Hull, Liverpool, Bristol, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool and Belfast, with missiles thrown and shops looted.

The string of violent incidents in recent days began on Tuesday in Southport after three girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added that police have his “full support” to take action against “extremists” trying to “sow hatred” by intimidating communities, as he held emergency talks with ministers over the unrest in parts of England.

The interactive map below shows the cities where there was disorder and the number of arrests made.

The far right has been condemned by MPs across the political spectrum following riots in London, Manchester, Southport and Hartlepool before Saturday’s violence.

False claims spread online that the suspect, later identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Lancashire, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat in 2023.

Arrests have been made across the country, and police have warned more will follow after footage from security cameras, social media and body cameras is collected.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said those involved in the clashes “will pay the price” and that “criminal violence and disorder have no place on the streets of Britain”.

In Liverpool, Merseyside Police said around 300 people were involved in violent disturbances on County Road, Walton, which included fires being set at community facilities.

Police said protesters tried to prevent firefighters from accessing the fire by throwing a missile at the fire truck and breaking the rear window of the cab.

A total of 23 people were arrested on Saturday, Merseyside Police said. One officer was kicked and knocked off his motorbike by a protester and others tried to kick riot shields.

Lancashire Police said more than 20 people were arrested and dispersal orders were issued in parts of Blackpool, Preston and Blackburn.

More protests are planned for Sunday and more trouble is likely in the coming days, police said.

“We know people will try to do this again and policing is and will remain ready,” said Chief Constable BJ Harrington, who speaks on public order for the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

“There are 130 extra units across the country, which means almost 4,000 trained public order officers to be deployed.

“So if you are planning to cause trouble and mayhem, our message is very simple: we will be watching you.”