A report by MPs has found that police forces were unprepared for the level of violence that erupted in riots after the murder of three children in Southport last summer. The Home Affairs Committee stated that officers were exposed to “significant risk” during the disorder, which included attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers and mosques.
Despite the lack of preparation, the report deemed the policing response to be “entirely appropriate” given the violence and criminality, with no evidence of “two-tier policing”. The police lead for the national response acknowledged the efforts of officers and staff and stated that the recommendations would be taken into consideration.
Following the tragic incident in Southport that resulted in the deaths of three children, disorder spread across the country, leading to numerous events and arrests. The report highlighted the challenges faced by police forces in anticipating and responding to the widespread disorder.
Despite the difficulties, officers worked tirelessly, with many sustaining injuries and requiring hospitalization. The report emphasized the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved and refuted claims of “two-tier policing”, attributing the policing response to the violent actions of those involved in the disorder.
Misinformation surrounding the suspect’s identity exacerbated the situation, with the report recommending better protocols for managing media and social media dissemination of information. Both the government and the CPS expressed their commitment to improving decision-making and support for officers in handling crises.