Teenager charged with killing three girls at UK dance party amid violent protests

A teenager appeared in court on Thursday, facing charges over the alleged murder of three girls in a stabbing incident at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party, as violent protests erupted in several cities across Britain.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, has been charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder following the attack on Monday in Southport, north-west England.

The incident has shocked the nation, and online misinformation about the suspect has sparked violent clashes led by far-right groups. Groups targeted a mosque and clashed with police in Southport, while protests also erupted in London, Hartlepool and Manchester on Wednesday night. More than 100 people were arrested outside Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Downing Street residence.

In response, Starmer is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting with police chiefs on Thursday to address the unrest.

The suspect made a brief appearance at Liverpool magistrates court and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court later in the day. Wearing a grey tracksuit and black sandals, the teenager smiled before taking his seat, according to court observers.

The Crown Court is expected to provide further details about his detention.

Read also: Protesters shout at youth minister in Eagles Square

The teenager is accused of murdering Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. He is also alleged to have injured eight other children and two adults in the attack, which has sparked widespread grief in the usually quiet seaside town of Southport.

Misinformation about the suspect on social media sparked violent clashes on Tuesday night, including bricks being thrown at a mosque and 53 police officers being injured. The far-right English Defence League, known for its Islamophobic views and links to football hooliganism, was involved.

The unrest continued into Wednesday, with protests reaching Downing Street. Demonstrators threw bottles at police and shouted slogans such as “We want our country back” and “Stop the boats,” referring to illegal migrants arriving in small boats.

In Hartlepool, northeast England, protesters set fire to a police car and threw objects at officers, resulting in eight arrests. Police reported that officers were pelted with “missiles, glass bottles and eggs,” and several people suffered minor injuries.

At the emergency meeting, Starmer is expected to praise the bravery of emergency service workers and underline the need to protect the right to protest while ensuring that those who use it to incite violence are prosecuted. The Labour government has pledged to improve community policing and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper promising an increased police presence across the country.

Starmer will urge police chiefs to use their powers decisively to stop violence and ensure justice, a statement from the Prime Minister’s office said.

Teenager charged with killing three girls at UK dance party amid violent protests first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.