Far-right exploiting Southport knife tragedy to attack Muslims, religious group warns [Video]

The UK’s largest Muslim group has warned far-right activists are exploiting the Southport knife tragedy to attack followers of the faith.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) called on the government to intervene after rioting outside a mosque in the town on Tuesday evening followed the killing of three children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class a day earlier.

The MCB warned false information online had “wrongfully associated the crime with Muslims” after posts circulating on social media incorrectly claimed the suspect’s name was “Ali Al-Shakati” and that he had arrived in the UK on a small boat in 2023.

MCB secretary-general Zara Mohammed said: “At a time of great tragedy, loss, and mourning, we must stand firm against the cynical forces of hatred and division. This does not represent our diverse …