US Edition
Every possibility similar violence to Southport riots could reoccur, says watchdog
SOUTHPORT, UNITED KINGDOM, AUG 3 – A watchdog warns that unregulated online misinformation and inadequate police responses have created conditions where similar anti-immigrant violence could recur in the UK.
- On July 29, 2024, a stabbing at a children’s dance studio in Southport injured three, with violence spreading to mosques, community centres, and libraries.
- Within hours, a disinformation campaign claimed that the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker ‘Ali Al-Shakati’, a false narrative, while the real suspect was a 17-year-old British citizen from Cardiff.
- A surge of unrest in 27 cities occurred when far-right actors exploited public unease and algorithms amplified false narratives.
- In a report, Sir Andy Cooke said the police service should 'not be caught off-guard again', citing 'critical gaps' and social media 'amplified false narratives' beyond police capabilities.
- According to the watchdog chief, Sir Andy Cooke, there is every possibility that similar violence could reoccur, as online misinformation continues to spread and the police service must modernise its understanding of disorder.
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How the Southport Riot became a catalyst for anti-immigrant disinformation
When violence broke out in the seaside town of Southport one year ago or on July 29, 2024, it seemed at first like a local tragedy: a stabbing at a children’s dance studio that left three injured. But within hours, that incident was hijacked by a coordinated online disinformation campaign, transforming it into a national flashpoint for anti-immigrant outrage. The result? Protests in at least 27 cities, a surge in far-right sentiment, and a new h…
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
44% Center
L 33%
C 44%
R 22%
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