Rumours Fuel Riots

On late-July to early-August 2024, extensive riots took place in the United Kingdom after a tragic mass stabbing in which three children lost their lives while several were injured. As misinformation spread online about the possible suspect’s identity, there were rumours that the culprit was a Muslim asylum seeker who had landed in UK via a boat. Anti-immigrant feelings surged as violence erupted near a local mosque in Southport. Rioting occurred rampantly during which there were mass vandalism and lootings. The incident had taken place in Southport but it spread to cities like Liverpool, Belfast, Manchester and London. As a result of misinformation fueled by far-right protestors in an anti-immigrant sentiment, there was a growing unrest on the aftermath.