Police are planning for more demonstrations after violence erupted in Southport last night.

Riots flared outside a mosque on Tuesday after three young girls were killed while attending a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club this week.

A vigil was held to remember Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. However violence broke out amid claims the police were not telling the truth about the suspect’s background and his motives, with rumours swirling on social media.

Police have made four arrests so far after 53 officers and three police dogs were injured in the clashes. These included three officers who were taken to hospital with injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.

Serena Kennedy, Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, speaking from Southport on Wednesday said officers were prepared for “events” to take place tonight and this weekend.

She said: “There is intelligence around other events taking place potentially this evening and also into the weekend which we are planning for. 

“I am absolutely confident that we have got sufficient resources here in Merseyside being supported by colleagues from the north west, both for tonight and into the weekend.”

She added: “We are absolutely planning for this evening and for the weekend ahead so that we don’t see a repeat of last night.”

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