Woman praised for standing up to rioters following Southport stabbings

The riot is believed to have involved the EDL

A woman has been praised after she held up an anti-racism sign to rioters during unrest in Southport.

There were scenes of violence and unrest in the Merseyside town on Tuesday evening as suspected far-right supporters threw bricks at a mosque, and set fire to cars and wheelie bins.

The violence took place just hours after a vigil had been held to remember the victims of a knife attack in which three children were killed.

Thirty-nine police officers were injured in the unrest, according to the North West Ambulance Service.

Merseyside Police has said they believe the far-right English Defence League was involved in the disorder, which started near a mosque on St Luke’s Road in Southport, the BBC reports.

The “serious violence” has been condemned as “sickening” by police.

Footage of the unrest has widely shared on social media, but clips also showed one woman standing in front of the rioters with an anti-racism sign.

In a video shared by the Liverpool Post on X, the woman can be seen walking through the crowd to stand next to police and hold up a sign which read: “One race – human. Hope, not hate. Racism not welcome here.”

The Post said the woman was “surrounded by men involved in the riot” before walking off. The outlet added that she didn’t want to be interviewed.

Her actions and bravery were praised by many though. One person wrote: “THIS is the picture from #Southport that needs sharing … the racist thugs brought in by the EDL and PA to whip up race hatred are NOT the focus.”

Another wrote: “Solidarity with this woman who is visibly scared but unwavering in her commitment to speak out amidst racism and violence.

“This is being brave and using privilege on a kind of level we do not often see.”

A third penned: “After the devastating Southport news & the violent response on the streets, this brave woman stands alone with her sign whilst being intimidated by protestors.

“She represents courageous hope. Hate is never productive & never unites. The community needs to be able to grieve.”

Following the outbreak of violence, Keir Starmer condemned the scenes, vowing that those involved would “feel the full force of the law.”

He wrote in a statement on X: “The people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday. They deserve our support and our respect. Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves. They will feel the full force of the law.”

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said Merseyside Police had faced “serious violence” and he was “so proud to have witnessed off-duty officers parade back on duty to support their colleagues who had displayed such courage whilst under constant and sustained attack.”

He also thanked officers from Greater Manchester Police, Cheshire Police, Lancashire Police and North Wales Police for providing mutual aid and support.

ACC Goss said the unrest involved many “who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside”.

“This is no way to treat a community, least of all a community that is still reeling from the events of Monday,” he added.

He also urged people not to speculate about the identity or status of the 17-year-old arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after Monday’s attack, which took place at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class for children.

ACC Goss said: “There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody, and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.

“We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK, and speculation helps nobody at this time.”

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