UK braces for unrest: Peaceful counter-protests thwart riots

This is not an easy time for many parts of the UK, which in recent days has been literally flooded by a wave of riots. These were triggered by last week’s knife attack in Southport, which killed three people and injured ten.

A vigil to commemorate the victims: Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar was held at the site of the tragedy.

The UK was preparing for significant riots, with attacks planned in as many as 38 cities. The reality turned out to be much milder.

As reported by the newspaper "The Sun", contrary to initial concerns, the first planned demonstration in Thompson Park in Burnley attracted only... two out of the hundreds of expected protesters.

In Brighton, counter-demonstrators outnumbered the anti-immigrant group by a ratio of 100 to 1, gathering around 500 people in defence of a law firm dealing with asylum seekers' rights.

More than a dozen counter-demonstrations took place across the country, outweighing the attempts by anti-immigration opponents to incite riots.

Besides preventive measures and peaceful protests, many citizens and business owners express deep concern about the growing tension in the country.

Entrepreneur Abrar Javid from the Rotherham Muslim Community Forum highlights the increasing fear among residents about the possibility of further attacks on asylum seekers and immigrants.

Some businesses, fearing riots, closed their premises earlier than usual, and numerous shops secured their windows.

According to information provided by "The Sun," police forces are already preparing for the coming days, anticipating a possible escalation of tensions, especially in the context of the upcoming football season.

Both authorities and ordinary citizens appeal for calm and unity in the face of growing social divisions.