British law enforcement officers detained three people during riots in the English city of Southport that broke out after a knife attack on children, Merseyside Police Chief Serena Kennedy said on Wednesday.
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The clashes took place in Southport yesterday amid a stabbing that claimed the lives of three children. The instigators of the riots threw bottles, trash cans and bricks at the police, and also set fire to cars. More than 50 law enforcement officers were injured.
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“Three arrests have been made, but more will follow. It is impossible to say (how many people will be detained) as the investigation is at a very early stage,” Kennedy said.
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The police chief said a total of 54 officers were injured in the clashes, four of them police officers arriving in support from neighboring Lancashire.
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According to Kennedy, between 200 and 300 people took part in the riots.
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Police in the British county of Merseyside reported a knife attack in the city of Southport on Monday. Law enforcement officers detained a 17-year-old teenager and he was sent to the police station for questioning.
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The police also confirmed that they do not link the attack to terrorism. According to police, the attack allegedly occurred during a dance class for children in the style of American singer Taylor Swift.
