The UK has been plagued with scenes of hate over the last week and a half. The ugly riots have prompted countries to issue warnings to their citizens about potentially dangerous parts of the country.
Riots have erupted nationwide following the tragic stabbing and killing of three young girls at a dance event in Southport. False rumours about the suspect’s background, ethnicity, and religion circulated online after the attack, provoking violent anti-immigrant sentiment, reports the Mirror.
In response to a week of violent protests, a number of countries have issued safety warnings to their citizens residing or visiting the UK yesterday. They include Nigeria, Malaysia, Kenya, Australia, Indonesia, the UAE, India and Hong Kong.
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The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised: “UAE citizens in the United Kingdom [should] exercise the highest level of caution and take the necessary precautions in light of the security situation in various cities.
“The ministry warns UAE nationals against visiting areas witnessing riots and protests and avoid crowded areas. UAE citizens must adhere to the warnings issued and comply with all safety instructions.”
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on X: “The high commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to inform the Nigerian community in the it is closely monitoring the ongoing protests and riots in various towns following the stabbing in Southport on July 29.
“The riots, which have assumed a violent and disorderly outlook as evidenced by reported attacks on law enforcement agents and damages to properties and infrastructure, may spread across the country.
“To this end, the Nigerian community is advised to be extra vigilant, stay away from protest areas and avoid large gatherings. The High Commission will keep the Nigerian community in the UK informed of any development as the situation unfolds.”
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer chaired another emergency COBRA meeting and said it was to “coordinate our response” to the disorder. Over 400 people have been arrested so far, with more than 100 charged by police.
Now the PM is expecting further action and told Sky News: “That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, you are likely to be dealt with within a week and that nobody, but nobody should be involving themselves in this disorder. Anybody involving themselves in this disorder is going to feel the full force of the law.”