London: UK King Charles III thanked the police for work to suppress unrest in the country that broke out after a knife attack on children in Southport, Sky News reported, citing a statement by a Buckingham Palace spokesperson.
“His Majesty was updated on the current situation and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the police and emergency services for all they are doing to restore peace in those areas that have been affected by violent disorder,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the King spoke to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with holding a joint call with the chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, and UK Gold Commander Ben Harrington, chief constable of Essex.
Three children died and several others were injured in a stabbing at a children’s dance club in Southport on July 29. Police detained a 17-year-old boy and charged him with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder. Many UK residents reacted to the attack with protests, which turned into clashes with police and riots after unconfirmed reports suggested the perpetrator was a refugee. The attacker was later identified as a Welsh-born boy of Rwandan descent.
Amid the unrest, the UK authorities twice held a COBRA emergency government committee, which is often called in times of emergency. The prime minister promised to increase the police presence in the streets, speed up criminal proceedings, and prosecute those responsible for fomenting sedition on social media.
UK law enforcement agencies have accused the far-right English Defence League of fueling the protests, while some of the country’s media reported that Russia had been behind the riots. The Russian Embassy in London strongly rejected the allegations.
