Greater Manchester man arrested following Southport riot

A Wigan man has been arrested in connection with the first riot which broke out over the summer. Disorder erupted across the country in the aftermath of a devastating knife attack in Southport which killed three children.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were all fatally stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29. After false rumours of a potential suspect were spread online, violent scenes spread across the UK.

The first riot took place in Southport on July 30, the day after the attack. Missiles were launched at officers in the town, while a Merseyside Police van was set alight and a mosque was targeted.

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Officers have since made a string of arrests in connection with the riot. A 20-year-old man from Wigan is the latest to have been detained.

He was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and has since been conditionally bailed, Merseyside Police announced today (December 11). The Wigan man is the 159th person arrested in connection with riots in Southport and Liverpool this summer, with 112 charged and 86 sentenced to a combined 178 years and 10 months.

Police also announced the arrests of three teenage boys in connection with the Merseyside riots. A 13-year-old boy from Rock Ferry was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder after reportedly throwing missiles at officers. He has since been conditionally bailed.

A 16-year-old boy from Old Swan, who was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in Liverpool, is due to appear in Liverpool Youth Court on January 7, 2025. Meanwhile, a 16-year-old boy from New Brighton who faced Liverpool Youth Court yesterday (Tuesday) received a 12-month intensive referral order and was ordered to pay £300 compensation for his part in the Merseyside disorder.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts, of Merseyside Police, said: “These latest outcomes demonstrate our determination to put before the courts all of those who brought shame to the region over the summer, many of who travelled to Merseyside from other areas. We continue to review footage and information as it comes in, and we will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.”

Police are still working through footage to identify potential suspects linked to the summer riots. Information can be passed on to Merseyside Police online, by calling 101 or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.