By Natalia Rueda 
What is happening in the UK?
The city of Southport is still not recovering from the terrible attack that shook the community on July 29th. Chaos and violence spread through the streets when a 17-year-old identified as Axel Rudakubana brutally stabbed several children and adults at a summer festival. The toll was devastating: three girls were killed and several injured, including eight children and two adults. However, the horror did not end there.
After the attack, another disturbing phenomenon emerged: the spread of false information by extreme right-wing groups on social networks.
Taking advantage of the tragedy, these groups spread false and unsubstantiated information, claiming that the attacker was a migrant and that he belonged to the Muslim community. These accusations were not only completely unfounded, but also fueled xenophobia and directed anger towards the refugee and Muslim communities in the city. Despite the fact that the attacker was a British citizen with no ties to Islam. The spread of FALSE information about the perpetrator of the attack has only made the situation worse.
We will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 6, 2024
We are proud to stand together against the vile and criminal behaviour seen in recent weeks.
Our message to anyone who plans to breed disorder is clear – you will face the full force of the law.
📰🔽 pic.twitter.com/aydp7OQseH
This wave of misinformation only increased the tension and generated acts of vandalism against mosques, Muslim homes, looted and burned stores, police cars and more than 50 policemen were injured after these clashes. As a result, the city is in a state of chaos and violence, which has spread to other cities in England and Northern Ireland. Police have confirmed that the spread of fake news has been a key factor in the escalation of violence.
It is crucial that authorities and individuals take a stand against hate speech and misinformation, and hold those who spread it accountable. The authorities have deployed police forces and are determined to apply the full weight of the law to those who are spreading false information about the protests and hate messages. Already 400 arrests have been made nationwide.