Monday, July 29:
Three girls between six and nine years old are killed in a knife attack in Southport, England. Ten others, mostly children, are injured in the attack, which takes place at a dance class for children with a Taylor Swift theme. A 17-year-old boy is arrested as the sole suspect.
Tuesday, July 30:
Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits the crime scene in the afternoon. In the evening, a manifestation for the victims turns into a riot in Southport. Riot police are deployed, and over 50 police officers are injured.
Rumors about the suspect's background fuel the heated atmosphere, particularly among far-right groups, who blame immigration for the knife attack. The 17-year-old was born in the UK to parents from Rwanda.
Wednesday, July 31:
Violence spreads to London, with demonstrators gathering outside the Prime Minister's residence on Downing Street. Over 100 people are arrested, including those suspected of attacking rescue personnel.
Unrest also breaks out in the town of Hartlepool in northeastern England, in connection with demonstrations by far-right groups.
Thursday, August 1:
The 17-year-old is formally charged with murder and ten counts of attempted murder following the knife attack.
Starmer launches a harsh attack on social media for allowing the spread of disinformation and summons police chiefs for a meeting.
The police choose to name the arrested individual, despite being a minor, to stop the spread of rumors.
Friday, August 2:
Hundreds of demonstrators, largely described as far-right, clash with police outside a mosque in Sunderland, just outside Newcastle.
The police announce that they will increase security around mosques.
Saturday, August 3:
The far-right English Defence League (EDL) is accused of being behind the wave of violence.
In the evening, several anti-immigrant demonstrations turn violent. In Liverpool, nearly a thousand far-right extremists clash with counter-demonstrators. Similar scenes unfold in Hull, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool, and Belfast.
The police deploy thousands of officers on the streets and use surveillance and facial recognition technology. Over 90 people are arrested.
Sunday, August 4:
Unrest breaks out in several locations. In Rotherham, masked, anti-immigrant demonstrators smash windows at a hotel that has been used to house asylum seekers. At least ten police officers are injured.
British authorities promise tough action against the rioters.
Monday, August 5:
The government calls an emergency meeting after the weekend's riots. After the meeting, Starmer says that special forces are "ready to be deployed to support the community" and promises to toughen up legal measures.
