Rioter’s instant karma in most painful spot

There are wild scenes in England where a town has been burned by rioters. One rioter copped instant karma when he goaded police.

A rioter in the UK’s disturbing outbreak of unrest was struck in the head with a brick by fellow protesters - before being hit again in the crotch as he tried to escape.

Police vans have been set on fire as hundreds of protesters clashed with riot police outside a mosque in Southport, England near the scene of a horror stabbing.

Large crowds fought with officers in the Merseyside town after three children were killed and 10 others injured in a sickening knife rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop yesterday, The Sun reports.

Shocking footage from the scene showed bottles and bricks being thrown at police vans as other projectiles hurtled through the air.

The protester, wearing a grey tracksuit, was filmed striding up to an army of police officers holding riot shields before putting his hands on his hips and posing.

But as he tried to goad the officers, he was nearly sent tumbling to the floor as a giant brick smashed into his face and the back of his head at the same time.

One flying brick rebounded off a riot shield into his face, while another connected with the back of his head.

The rioter was hit with a brick in the worst possible spot.

Ouch.

As he tried to walk away rubbing the back of his head, he was then hit with a third brick in the crotch. Shouts of “f***ing hell boys” were heard as two other rioters tried to help him out of the crowd.

Merseyside Police said the English Defence League is believed to be behind the violent protests.

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Speculation about the alleged attacker’s identity circulated online, fuelling the tension that already existed after horrific attack on Monday, local time.

Despite social media claims, the suspect was born in Cardiff.

Rumours about the identity of the 17-year-old suspect in the deadly Southport stabbing attack have sparked violent protests. Picture: Getty Images

Police vans were set on fire as riot cops clashed with hundreds of protesters. Picture: Getty Images

Riot police wearing helmets and carrying large shields huddled together as chaos outside the mosque in Southport raged on for hours.

More than one police vehicle was set alight, as thick smoke billowed into the balmy air.

Protesters in the crowd were heard shouting, as a police helicopter was heard scouring the area from above.

Some of the protesters even climbed on top of a building before throwing rocks down at police.

Bottles and wheelie bins were also hurled at officers responding to the incident in a night of violence.

Riot police and dogs units were deployed to bring the crowd under control, after officers sustained injuries including one with a suspected broken nose.

The force have now cleared the area directly outside the mosque and are standing guard with their batons raised.

A police vehicle after rioters set it ablaze. Picture: Getty Images

Bins and other objects were hurled at police. Picture: Getty Images

Police confirmed that a number of officers were injured and cars were set ablaze after the “unacceptable” behaviour.

The force said that shops were also broken into and looted in Southport and warned that anyone responsible would be “brought to justice”.

The violence appears to have been linked to several false accusations spread online.

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody, and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.

“We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time,” Asst Chief Goss said.

“It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.”

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar were confirmed as the victims.

Riot police hold back protesters in Southport, England. Picture: Getty Images

Rows of police face off against the large crowds. Picture: Getty Images

It comes after hundreds of people rallied together in solidarity outside The Aktinson art gallery in Merseyside to pay their respects at a separate peaceful vigil.

Some lit candles while others lay flowers and reflected on yesterday’s tragedy.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said anyone involved in the disorder in Southport will “feel the full force of the law”.

“Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves,” he said.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said it was “appalling” police officers in Southport were facing attacks from “thugs on the streets who have no respect for a grieving community”.

She branded the violence a “total disgrace”.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9. Picture: Merseyside Police / AFP

Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7. Picture: Merseyside Police / AFP

The MP for Southport said he is “deeply concerned” by the violent protests taking place, and urged people to “stay safe”.

In a statement on X, Patrick Hurley said he “fully condemns any attack” on emergency services, pointing out that these are the same services that responded to the tragic stabbing attack yesterday.

“It’s distressing to see people from outside our Southport community attacking our police and local people,” he said.

“I appeal to local people to avoid the area and stay safe, to allow the police to do their job. I want to thank our community for pulling together and supporting every person who has been affected by Monday’s tragic attack.”

He also thanked those who attended the vigil to remember the three children who were killed in the attack, and the 10 other people who were injured.

“I was deeply saddened to hear the news today of the death of a third child. Bebe, Elsie and Alice are in all of our thoughts and hearts today,” he said.

Bebe King, 6. Picture: Merseyside Police / AFP

Tributes to the victims laid near the scene. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Meanwhile, a man “wearing a balaclava” and carrying a knife was arrested in Southport just yards from the vigil.

Merseyside Police confirmed they had arrested a 32-year-old on suspicion of possessing a bladed article – while the force’s Detective Inspector condemned knife crime in the aftermath of the “swift arrest”.

A police statement said: “We have arrested a man and seized a flick knife following an incident in Southport this evening.

“A report was received at 6.50pm that a man had been seen with a knife on Eastbank Street. Officers attended and a man was detained at around 6.55pm, and a flick knife recovered. There are no reports anyone was injured during the incident.

“A 32-year-old man from Standish was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article, and taken into custody.”

It comes as Bebe and Elsie, aged six and seven, were identified as the first victims in the attack just before midday.

Heartbroken friends and family then paid tribute to Alice, saying she was killed by a “despicable human being”.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance studio in Hart Street.

Merseyside Police said the motive is currently unclear but it was not suspected to be terror-related.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Rioter’s instant karma in most painful spot