For more than a week, riots have spread across the United Kingdom, targeting Muslims, and immigrants. And in their wake, the attackers have set buildings and vehicles on fire and left communities in a state of fear.

But how did a stabbing rampage, in a seaside English town, spark what have become the worst riots in the UK in more than a decade?

Today, world editor Nick Ralston, on the real-time violence and terror that have resulted from a devastating misinformation campaign. And how the far right has been exploiting a horrific crime in order to advance its agenda.

 

Audio credit:

• The Southport stabbings: A week that shook a nation, ITV News
• Southport stabbings: ‘Lies and propaganda’ on social media led to violence, Times Radio

Further reading:

• The obscure Russian-linked ‘news’ website that is fuelling violence on Britain’s streets, Lauren Sheriff, The Telegraph.

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