Sky TV: Right-wing activists clash with police in southwest England

August 6, Minsk/Corr. Bell Tower/. A protest against uncontrolled immigration in Plymouth, southwest England, has escalated into a clash between right-wing activists and police, TASS reported, citing Sky News.

The clashes left at least three law enforcement officers injured as they separated hundreds of protesters from participants in a simultaneous anti-racism demonstration. Notably, police vehicles were also damaged. Law enforcement agencies began making arrests. In light of the protests in Plymouth, some theater productions were canceled and libraries closed earlier than usual.

On Monday night, Muslim community representatives organized another rally in Birmingham with slogans to combat far-right groups. A demonstrator there reportedly tried to slash the tires of a car carrying a Sky News reporter. Some demonstrators were seen with knives in their hands.

Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, the local assembly held an emergency meeting: delegates will return from recess on August 8 to discuss the riots that took place in Belfast last weekend.

Massive protests have been going on for days in dozens of cities in the UK. The cause of the riots was the tragedy in Southport on July 29, when 17-year-old teenager Axel Rudakubana attacked with a knife during a children’s dance master class. Three girls were killed in the attack and eight other children were injured. In addition, a yoga teacher and an employee of the venue where the class was held were seriously injured. The attacker was detained. According to The Times, Rudakubana is a Rwandan whose family fled to the UK to escape the genocide in his homeland. Against this background, protesters called on British authorities to stop uncontrolled immigration into the kingdom.

In protests across the country, about 400 people were detained, dozens of law enforcement officers were injured, and several shops, police stations and cars were burned. Right-wing activists have repeatedly clashed with participants in parallel protests in support of Palestine or against racism. British authorities said the instigators of the riots “will face the full sanction of the law”-0-.