Boy, 12, becomes youngest to be charged over riots

A 12-year-old boy has become the youngest person to be charged over the riots that broke out in the wake of the killing of three young girls in Southport.

The youth, who cannot be named because of his age, has been charged with violent disorder in the Merseyside town on 30 July.

Merseyside Police said he is among three males to be charged over the riot that broke out the day after Bebe King, six, nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July.

More than 50 police officers were injured as up to 1,000 people gathered outside a mosque after misinformation spread over the identity of the suspect.

The boy, from Southport, is due to appear at Merseyside Youth Court, while Harvey Gabbott, 21, from Tarleton, Lancashire, and Paul Dryhurst, 33, from Litherland, are due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court also charged with violent disorder over the riot.

A total of 30 people have so far been charged over riots in Southport and Liverpool, while police had made 927 arrests and prosecutors charged 466 people across the country by Sunday.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's spokesperson said the government "will not rest until the job is done" when asked if the police and courts will continue to pursue those involved in the riots.