LONDON: The UK government welcoming the “de-escalation” of violent riots in the country on Monday that started after a knife attack killed three children, ordered officials to remain on “high alert.”
“We welcome that there has been a de-escalation this weekend. But we’re certainly not complacent and remain on high alert,” a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said.
The violence started after misinformation spread about the alleged perpetrator of a mass stabbing at a dance class in Southport, England July 29.
Three girls Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King, and Elsie Dot Stancombe died in the tragic incident. Ten others were wounded including eight children.
The stabbings triggered a riot in Southport on July 30 evening and violence in more than a dozen English towns and cities.
Starmer’s spokeswoman added that authorities had acted to quell the unrest but that there was no room for contentment.
“We also recognize that the job is not done until people feel safe in their communities, but thanks to the work of our police officers, prosecutor and judiciary, we have seen a swift response from the justice system,” she said.
“Within a matter of days, we’ve seen criminals involved arrested, charged, sentenced and behind bars,” she added.
Officials blamed far-right agitators and opportunist thugs to further their anti-Muslim and anti-immigration agenda.
Misinformation spread online after the stabbing spree, claiming that the perpetrator was a Muslim immigrant.
