Dozens of children were arrested by police in Yorkshire in connection with the summer riots following the Southport stabbings.
Responses to Freedom of Information requests from forces across the country have revealed one in six people arrested in connection with the unrest were children under the age of 18.
The summer months were marred by riots and disturbances instigated by right-wing demonstrators after three young girls were fatally stabbed at a dance class in Southport on July 30. Authorities acted swiftly to apprehend and prosecute individuals linked to the turmoil.
Figures obtained from West Yorkshire Police via a freedom of information request dated November 19 indicate that there were 48 arrests tied to this summer’s unrest with eight individuals aged between 10 and 17. The arrests included:
- 33 for public order offences.
- Seven for violent acts against persons.
- Two for arson and criminal damage.
- Two for various crimes against society.
- One for burglary.
- One for drug-related offences.
It should be noted that these figures might include multiple arrests of the same person since an individual may be arrested for more than one offence.
South Yorkshire Police data obtained in response to a freedom of information request on November 22 revealed a total of 140 arrests were made in relation to the disorder this summer – 19 of them aged between 10 and 17. These arrests included:
- 133 offences of public disorder and rioting
- Six offences against property
- Four offences against the person
- Four offences related to the police courts or prisons
- Three offences related to firearms, shotguns or offensive weapons
- Three miscellaneous offences
- Two offences of theft
In response to a freedom of information request on December 3, Humberside Police revealed 101 arrests were made in relation to the disorder this summer – 38 of them aged between 10 and 17. These included arrests for:
- 87 offences of public order
- 11 burglaries
- Three drug offences
- Three offences of violence with injury
- Arson
- Possession of a weapon
- Violence without injury
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Jabeer Butt, Chief Executive of the Race Equality Foundation, said while arrests and legal actions helped quell the violence, they do not represent a “long-term solution”. He said: “The underlying issues that led to Islamophobic disinformation being shared alongside some concluding that violence was an appropriate response to an act of male violence in Southport needs to be addressed.
“We require concerted national and local action to challenge racism, to curb the algorithms that amplify Islamophobic disinformation, and the ending of politician led blaming of migrants and minorities for crumbling public services.”
Data from 32 police forces revealed 1,233 arrests, with 219 involving minors under 18. Among the reasons for arrest provided by these forces, public order offences were the most prevalent.
However, there were also 69 assault charges, 45 theft and burglary cases (including four shoplifting incidents), 38 weapon possession charges, 32 drug-related offences, and 19 for malicious communications.
Separate data compiled by the National Police Chiefs’ Council recorded 1,711 arrests since the end of July. A spokesperson for the organisation indicated that arrests and charging decisions “are likely to continue for some time”.
The spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, we did see a number of young people take part in these incidents.”
They emphasised the importance of avoiding unnecessary criminalisation of children and young people, but added that police need to ]respond appropriately” to protect communities. They said: “This can include the arrest and charge in the case of violent disorder and other serious offences.”
Greater Manchester Police made the highest number of arrests (160), followed by Merseyside (148) and the Met (142). The most children were arrested in Humberside (38), Merseyside (33) and Manchester (32).
A spokesperson for the Home Office said: “The senseless violence on our streets following the tragic loss of Bebe, Elsie and Alice was shocking.
“We are grateful to all the officers who continue to work hard to keep our communities safe.”
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