39 policemen injured in England unrest

Thirty-nine police officers have been injured after unrest broke out in Southport hours.

Police vans were set on fire in Southport and protesters hurled bricks at both officers and at cars parked at a mosque, following speculation and unverified posts on social media that the suspect behind the attack was a Muslim and a migrant.

As well as killing three girls aged six to nine, Monday's horrific incident in the normally quiet town in northwest England saw eight other children stabbed. Five remain in a critical condition in hospital along with two adults who tried to protect them.

Earlier, Merseyside Police said eight officers sustained serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.

Other injuries included one officer being knocked unconscious, as well as some suffering head and serious facial injuries. Three police dogs were also hurt, with two having bricks thrown at them.

The disorder, which police said was believed to involve English Defence League supporters, began only a few streets away from Wednesday's vigil location, near to a mosque on St Luke's Road in Southport.

In total, 27 officers were taken to hospital, and 12 were treated and discharged at the scene, the ambulance service said.

Source: Agencies