Civil unrest in the United Kingdom sparks widespread riots after Southport

Mass brawls and violent protests have broken out across the United Kingdom as anti-immigrant protests have caused disturbances in more than 20 cities.

An unspecified number of UK police officers were injured over the weekend as riots spread despite government warnings against violence.

The demonstrations were kicked off after a 17-year-old from Cardiff, Wales of Rwandan origin was charged with murdering three girls in Southport.

The teenager was initially falsely identified as a Syrian immigrant which fuelled anti-immigrant fervour and led the English Defence League to take to the streets.

Manchester Police clashed with right-wing protesters in Piccadilly Gardens as violent rioting broke out across England. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

While demonstrations in London have been mostly peaceful, riots have broken out in other cities including Manchester and Southport.

In many locations, bricks have been thrown, buildings have been burned and physical confrontations have led to more than 80 arrests nationwide.

Twenty arrests were made in Lancashire, another 20 in Humberside, 14 in Avon and Somerset, 10 in Stoke-on-Trent, six in Liverpool and four in Stoke-on-Trent.

The unrest has been further fuelled by clashes between protesters and counter-protesters amid chants of “paedo Muslims off our streets” and “Nazi scum off our streets”.

British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned anyone involved in “unacceptable disorder” would be held accountable.

Ms Cooper has been working with police forces to ensure “consequences” were brought against rioters.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has given his “full support” to UK police as they respond to “extremists” and “hate”.

Speaking from Downing Street, the Prime Minister criticised a “tiny, senseless minority in our society” for causing the “grieving” community to “suffer twice as much”.

Mr Starmer met on Saturday with several ministers to discuss the riots but has not yet confirmed whether he will convene parliament to address the issue.