Police injured in clash with suspected EDL supporters outside Southport mosque

Several hundred protesters threw objects at the mosque and the police, Paul Brand reports from the scene

Police have been injured in clashes with protesters outside a mosque in Southport as tensions have risen over the stabbing attack on Monday that left three children dead and more injured.

Merseyside Police said the protesters are "believed to be supporters of the English Defence League".

Riot officers equipped with batons could be seen pushing protesters back after a police van was set on fire.

Firecrackers could be heard going off along with multiple police sirens sounding while officers equipped with batons and riot shields clashed with protesters.

The force said several officers were injured with one suffering from a suspected broken nose.

Officers who had already finished their shifts for the day were brought back to help manage the protest, Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police, Cheshire Constabulary and North Wales Police also assisted.

Police said the crowd gathered at 7.45pm and began throwing items towards the mosque on St Luke's Road.

Hundreds of youths and men and a large police presence remain on the streets surrounding Hart Street, where the attack took place.

ITV News UK Editor Paul Brand who was reporting at the scene said he and his team had to move away "as the crowd are not happy to be filmed, to put it lightly."

Police riot vans and officers are standing guard outside the building, amid chants of “No surrender!” and “English till I die!” from sections of the crowd.

The police said cars had been set alight and a shop had been broken into and looted.

They called the behaviour "completely unacceptable" and urged people to come forward with evidence.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves. "They will feel the full force of the law."

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the rioting in Southport as “violent attacks from thugs on the streets” which she branded “appalling”.

Merseyside Police, Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss, said: “It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.

“In the last 24 hours, we have seen overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to deal with their loss and care for victims injured during the major incident.

“Yesterday, our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face. Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavour to prevent disorder.

Police set up a cordon around the van that had been set on fire

“The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside.”

Mr Goss dismissed rumours around the 17-year-old suspect at the centre of the stabbing and said "we have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time."

The Liverpool Region Mosque Network said they were "horrified" by the "heinous acts of murder" calling it an "attack against society."

They went on to say: "A minority of people are attempting to portray that this inhumane act is somehow related to the Muslim community.

"Frankly it is not, and we must not let those who seek to divide us and spread hatred use this as an opportunity."

Southport MP Patrick Hurley said: “It’s distressing to see people from outside our Southport community attacking our police and local people.

“I want to make it clear that I fully condemn any attack on our emergency services, these are the same services that responded to the tragic attack yesterday.

“I appeal to local people to avoid the area and stay safe, to allow the police to do their job.”

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...