The fatal stabbing of three young girls at a dance class in Southport, England, has sparked the worst unrest in the UK in over a decade. Misinformation online, far-right ideologies, and anti-immigration sentiment have fueled the violence, which has spread across England and Northern Ireland.

On July 29, Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event. Eight more children and two adults were injured. Later that day, police said they had arrested a 17-yearold from a village nearby and that they were not treating the incident as terror-related.

Almost immediately after the attack, social media posts falsely speculated that the suspect was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK on a boat in 2023, with an incorrect name being widely circulated. There were also unfounded rumors that he was Muslim. In fact, as the BBC and other media outlets reported, the suspect was born in Wales to Rwandan parents.

The violence spread rapidly, with riots breaking out in towns and cities across England and Northern Ireland. Far-right influencers amplified false claims about the attacker’s identity, reaching a large audience. Tommy Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, posted inflammatory messages to his nearly a million followers.

Riots have taken place in Plymouth, Sunderland, Belfast, and other locations, with crowds attacking mosques, accommodation housing asylum seekers, cars, and buildings. Police are investigating a racially motivated hate crime in south Belfast.

Communities have responded with peaceful anti-racism protests, clean-up operations, and shows of solidarity. Thousands gathered on Wednesday, August 7, to promote unity and peace.

The government has promised to tackle the disorder, working with social media companies to remove misinformation and disinformation. Over 600 arrests have been made, with more than 150 people charged, including children as young as 11. Prosecutors are considering terrorism offences for some suspects.

The UK is grappling with a nuanced picture of local coordination and online influence, with far-right rioters, frustrated locals, and counter-protesters involved. As the nation struggles to come to terms with the violence, one thing is clear: the deadly consequences of misinformation and far-right extremism will not be tolerated.

The unrest has prompted concern from outside the UK, with Malaysia, Nigeria, Australia, and India issuing travel advisories. Police Federation chair Tiffany Lynch estimated over 100 police officers had been injured, some receiving hospital treatment.

The government has promised to make over 500 new prison places available to ensure those taking part in the violence can be jailed. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds visited a riot-hit library in Liverpool, pledging support.

Faith leaders in Merseyside have called for calm and peacefulness, remembering that there is “far more that unites than divides us”. Fundraisers have been launched for those affected, with one surpassing its initial target in 15 minutes.