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Children involved in riots after Southport murders speak of motivations

2 mins read Youth Justice Social Care
Children who took part in last summer's riots sparked by the Southport murders were motivated by "lack of opportunity" and “deep distrust of police”, according to latest research.
New measures for how police conduct and report intimate searches are included in updated draft guidance. Picture: BrianJackson / AdobeStock
Riots erupted in 26 areas of the UK last summer. Picture: Brian Jackson/AdobeStock

While anti-migrant misinformation played a “potential role”, it "did not appear to drive children’s actions”, says Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza, who interviewed young rioters as part of the research, published in the report Children’s involvement in the 2024 riots’.

Social media posts suggesting the murderer was an immigrant was shared millions of times online before being taken down, triggering riots and leading to the arrests of at least 147 children.

Of these, 84 were charged, with 73 cases having concluded by 31 October 2024, with de Souza’s interviews taking place between November and December. Further arrests are anticipated as police continue to review evidence.

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