'It was like a war scene on the streets of Southport - it's horrendous'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Violent protests and riots on the streets of Southport in the wake of a stabbing have been likened to a 'war scene'. Disorder broke out on the streets of the seaside town last night (Tuesday), close to the scene of a brutal stabbing at a children's dance event on Monday.

Chaos erupted after a vigil was held to commemorate the victims of the knife attack, as well as those who remain in a critical condition in hospital.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine; Bebe King, six; and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, have all been named as victims. A 17-year-old boy - who cannot be named for legal reasons because of his age - remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder. READ NEXT: Devastated parents are 'not speaking, only crying' after little girl, 9, killed in Southport stabbing Merseyside Police said the disorder began last night when 'a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defence League' – started to throw items such as bricks towards a mosque.

Officers put on helmets and riot gear after stones and bottles were launched at them and police vehicles were damaged and set on fire.