Protests in Hanley, England, turned violent on Saturday. (Representational Image)
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Hundreds of protesters have taken to the street of Hanley to protest the Southport knife attack
- Social media reports claimed that stabbings occurred during the protests
- Stoke-on-Trent Police issued a statement dismissing these reports
Protests in Hanley, England, turned violent on Saturday as hundreds took to the streets to protest the Southport knife attack that killed three children. Social media reports claimed that stabbings occurred during the protests, but Stoke-on-Trent Police issued a statement dismissing these reports and confirming that no stabbings took place on Saturday.
“Specialist officers and public order resources are continuing to respond to disorder in Stoke-on-Trent. We acted on information about a planned protest in Hanley and deployed a number of officers to ensure we could keep people safe,” police said.
“There is growing speculation that a stabbing has taken place as a result of the disorder today. We can confirm this information is false and no stabbings have been reported to police or emergency responders, despite videos fuelling speculation on social media. We can confirm a man was injured after being hit by a blunt object that was thrown. His injuries are not thought to be serious and he has been taken to hospital for treatment.”
“Four men have been arrested in connection with the disorder and are currently in custody for questioning. A number of protesters have dispersed from the location while a large-scale policing presence with specialist public order resources remain in the area. A section 34 dispersal notice has also been authorised, allowing police to disperse people who may return to the area,” police said.
Meanwhile, violence reportedly broke out between two groups of protesters and counter-protesters outside the Darul Falah mosque on Town Road, Hanley. Pictures from the scene showed bloodshed among protesters and a huge police presence in the area.
