116 arrested in U.K. as violent far-right protests erupt over deadly stabbing

Many of their statements also condemned the violence, looting and arson by protesters on the streets and vowed punishment.

At least 116 people were arrested across Britain over the weekend as far-right demonstrations descended into violence following misinformation about a mass stabbing that killed three children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last week.

Demonstrations organized by far-right or anti-immigration groups over the stabbing in Southport, in northwest England, took place in cities across the country on Saturday, some of which were met with counterprotests. Several cities issued orders ahead of the planned weekend protests, granting police more powers to quell “disorder and criminality.”

Officers made arrests in several areas across England — including the large cities of Hull, Liverpool and Bristol, according to The Washington Post’s tally of local police figures.

While officials noted the right to lawful protest, many of their statements also condemned the violence, looting and arson by protesters on the streets and vowed punishment.