400 Rioters Protest Antimigrants In The Aftermath Of Southport's Stabbing, UK Increases Prison Capacity

Police In London UK/ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/Kai Pilger

JAKARTA - The British government is increasing its prison capacity to help overcome violence, a week-long anti-migrant riot that has prompted more and more countries to warn their citizens of the dangers of traveling in the UK.

Riots in several major and small cities have erupted following the killing of three children in Taylor Swift-themed dance classes in Southport, after hoaxes on social media about a suspected killer as an Islamic migrant.

The Justice Department, which was forced to release some detainees early in an effort to combat the prison density crisis, said nearly 600 prisons were prepared to accommodate those involved in the violence.

About 400 people have been arrested so far.

"My message to anyone who chooses to take part in violence and thuggery is simple: police, courts and prisons are ready and you will face the consequences of your horrific actions," said Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood.

The riots have prompted India, Australia, Nigeria and other countries to warn their citizens to remain vigilant.

Riva Peacock, a 22-year-old retailer at Liverpool, where rioters clashed with police over the weekend, said the violence was surprising.

"There are many people who blame immigrants for the state of this country," he told Reuters.

"It is unfortunate that some of the most vulnerable people in our society are used as scapegoats in this matter," he added.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised to crack down on those attacking the mosques and hotels hosting migrants, throwing bricks at the police and fighting protesters, as well as looting shops and burning cars.

Police on Tuesday, August 6, charged a 28-year-old man of racial hatred through a Facebook post linked to the riots.

On Monday night, chaos broke out in Plymouth, southern England, and also in Belfast in Northern Ireland, where hundreds of rioters threw Molotov cocktails and stones at officers, as well as burned police-owned Land Rovers.