Violent mob clashes with cops & hurl flares at gates of Downing Street 24hrs after riots sparked by Southport stabbing
HUNDREDS of protesters are clashing with cops outside Downing Street just 24 hours after riots were sparked in Southport.
Some demonstrators have even thrown flares as tensions spill over in the wake of the horror stabbings on Monday.
One image shows a crowd of protesters holding their fists in the air, while another shows three police vans lined up in front of The Cenotaph.
Officers were pictured putting on riot gear as demonstrators chanted and threw cans and glass bottles.
Other protesters attempted to kick down a fence and were confronted by riot police.
The rioters have since been penned in by police around The Cenotaph with over a dozen protesters already having been detained by cops.
Police arrested a man wearing a balaclava near to Downing Street as the violent scenes continue in the capital.
Cops were seen wrestling the man off the road and onto the pavement.
Earlier, the Metropolitan Police placed conditions on the protest, stating demonstrators had to stay within a certain area and disperse by 8.30pm.
Met Superintendent Neil Holyoak said: “Following the tragic events in Southport, it is understandable the public have strong feelings about this shocking incident - but the subsequent violent, unlawful disorder that unfolded was completely unacceptable and driven by misinformation.
“Everyone has a right to protest and we continue to balance the right to lawful protest with everyone’s right to go about their lives without fear or serious disruption - which is why we have put conditions in place and deployed more officers across London.
“We are speaking to the protest organisers as well as local community groups, businesses and religious leaders, in particular the Muslim community who have been impacted by this week’s disorder in Southport.“I urge everyone to exercise their right to protest calmly and within the law.
“Any disorder will be dealt with swiftly.”
Yesterday's riots in Southport saw protesters try and attack a mosque with police vehicles set ablaze.
Cops suffered serious injuries when bricks, stones and bottles were thrown in chaotic scenes.
Merseyside Police said more than 50 officers were injured amid the disorder.
Speculation about the alleged attacker's identity circulated online, fuelling the tension that already existed after Monday's horrific attack.
Despite social media claims, cops stressed that the suspect was born in Cardiff.
The mum of Elsie Stancombe - one of three victims so far from the attack - had condemned the violence and urged protesters to stop.
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In a message widely shared online, Jenni Stancombe said: "This is the only thing that I will write, but please stop the violence in Southport tonight.
"The police have been nothing but heroic these last 24 hours and they and we don't need this."
