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The Conversation
The Conversation
Politics
Paul Reilly, Senior Lecturer in Communications, Media and Democracy, University of Glasgow

Southport riots: why social media’s role in unrest is overblown

More than 100 people have been arrested in riots following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in an attack on a dance class.

Suspected supporters of the far-right English Defence League violently clashed with police officers after a peaceful vigil in Southport on Tuesday, despite pleas for calm from the victims’ families.

The prime minister, Keir Starmer, condemned the rioters for their “violence and thuggery”. Hundreds of far-right rioters attacked a local mosque, looted nearby premises, and injured more than 50 police officers. Further riots occurred in London and Hartlepool on Wednesday, with dozens arrested.

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