02:28Mandatory credit: PA Media Restrictions: No use UK
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer denounced what he described as 'far-right thuggery' on Sunday and vowed that perpetrators would face the 'full force of the law' after an outbreak of violent anti-immigrant protests in the wake of a mass stabbing attack.
"I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online," the PM said. "This is not protest; it is organised violent thuggery, and it has no place on our streets."
Widespread protests erupted across towns and cities in the UK after three girls were killed in a knife attack at a dance class in northwest England's Southport last week.
The unrest comes after various reports circulated online alleged that the Southport stabbing had an Islamist link and that the perpetrator was a recently-arrived migrant.
"We've seen Muslim communities targeted, attacks on mosques, other minority communities singled out, Nazi salutes in the street, attacks on the police, wanting violence alongside racist rhetoric," Starmer said.
"Whatever the apparent cause or motivation, we make no distinction. Crime is crime, and this government will tackle it," he continued.
Three young girls aged between six and nine were stabbed to death in the town of Southport on Monday during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Eight other children were hurt - five critically - along with two adults.
The police have confirmed that the 17-year-old suspect - who has not been named due to his age - was born in Cardiff to parents of Rwandan heritage, although there has been media criticism about a perceived lack of transparency.
'No place on our streets' - PM Starmer denounces 'far-right thuggery' as violent protests escalate
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer denounced what he described as 'far-right thuggery' on Sunday and vowed that perpetrators would face the 'full force of the law' after an outbreak of violent anti-immigrant protests in the wake of a mass stabbing attack.
"I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online," the PM said. "This is not protest; it is organised violent thuggery, and it has no place on our streets."
Widespread protests erupted across towns and cities in the UK after three girls were killed in a knife attack at a dance class in northwest England's Southport last week.
The unrest comes after various reports circulated online alleged that the Southport stabbing had an Islamist link and that the perpetrator was a recently-arrived migrant.
"We've seen Muslim communities targeted, attacks on mosques, other minority communities singled out, Nazi salutes in the street, attacks on the police, wanting violence alongside racist rhetoric," Starmer said.
"Whatever the apparent cause or motivation, we make no distinction. Crime is crime, and this government will tackle it," he continued.
Three young girls aged between six and nine were stabbed to death in the town of Southport on Monday during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Eight other children were hurt - five critically - along with two adults.
The police have confirmed that the 17-year-old suspect - who has not been named due to his age - was born in Cardiff to parents of Rwandan heritage, although there has been media criticism about a perceived lack of transparency.
Mandatory credit: PA Media Restrictions: No use UK
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer denounced what he described as 'far-right thuggery' on Sunday and vowed that perpetrators would face the 'full force of the law' after an outbreak of violent anti-immigrant protests in the wake of a mass stabbing attack.
"I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online," the PM said. "This is not protest; it is organised violent thuggery, and it has no place on our streets."
Widespread protests erupted across towns and cities in the UK after three girls were killed in a knife attack at a dance class in northwest England's Southport last week.
The unrest comes after various reports circulated online alleged that the Southport stabbing had an Islamist link and that the perpetrator was a recently-arrived migrant.
"We've seen Muslim communities targeted, attacks on mosques, other minority communities singled out, Nazi salutes in the street, attacks on the police, wanting violence alongside racist rhetoric," Starmer said.
"Whatever the apparent cause or motivation, we make no distinction. Crime is crime, and this government will tackle it," he continued.
Three young girls aged between six and nine were stabbed to death in the town of Southport on Monday during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Eight other children were hurt - five critically - along with two adults.
The police have confirmed that the 17-year-old suspect - who has not been named due to his age - was born in Cardiff to parents of Rwandan heritage, although there has been media criticism about a perceived lack of transparency.