Eleven police officers sustained injuries during protests in Southampton, southern England, as demonstrators hurled rocks and garbage cans. A British cabinet minister labeled these events as “unacceptable.”
The turmoil erupted following the release of a video showing police officers handcuffing murder victim Henry Nowak last December, with his attacker allegedly present. This prompted right-wing commentators and politicians to accuse the police of bias against white individuals.
On Tuesday evening, hundreds gathered outside Southampton’s main police station. Tensions rose as protesters attempted to approach the residence of the murderer’s family, clashing with officers blocking the street. Elsewhere in the city, violence continued with protesters assaulting police using rocks, flares, and garbage cans. Some protesters displayed the British flag.
British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the violence, describing it as “completely unacceptable.” She asserted that hijacking tragic events to incite violence and disorder is unjustifiable. She warned that those responsible will face legal consequences. Mahmood praised the police for demonstrating great bravery and calm amidst the chaos.
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