Police Criticized for Delayed Response and Missed Warnings Before Southport Riots

A watchdog report highlights intelligence gaps, late mobilization, and unpreparedness in handling widespread unrest following the Southport tragedy.

A report by HMICFRS found police underestimated risks of disorder despite precursor events in 2023 and 2024 indicating rising tensions.
The riots erupted after misinformation spread online about the identity of the attacker in the Southport stabbing that killed three young girls on July 29, 2024.
302 officers were injured, with 54 hospitalized, during six days of violent clashes across the UK following the Southport incident.
The report criticized delays in implementing a national mobilization plan and highlighted gaps in intelligence, particularly regarding social media and the dark web.
The watchdog recommended appointing a national coordinator to improve readiness for future unrest, warning that similar violence could occur again.