Crime

Far-Right influence suspected as violent protests erupt across UK

Published

1 year ago

August 2, 2024

TWO consecutive nights of violent protests in English towns have highlighted how today’s far-right factions are mobilising within the UK. The unrest follows a knife attack by Cardiff-born teenager in Southport, which has sparked significant activity both on mainstream social media and within smaller public groups.

An analysis of this activity reveals a clear pattern: influencers are driving the call for protests, yet there is no single organising entity. Many protest attendees and online commentators do not hold extremist views or support rioting, nor do they have direct ties to far-right groups. Concerns about violent crime and misinformation linking the attack to illegal immigration have drawn in a diverse array of people.

**A police van on fire in Southport (Image: Sky News)**

The initial protests began in Southport and rapidly spread to London, Hartlepool, Manchester, and Aldershot. Merseyside Police have identified the English Defence League (EDL) as a significant influence in these events. Although the EDL no longer exists in a formal sense following the departure of its founder, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (aka Tommy Robinson), its core ideas—particularly opposition to illegal immigration and racist claims about Muslims—persist and are actively propagated online.

Conspiracy theories suggesting that “elites” are concealing the truth, including alleged abuses of British children, have further fuelled the unrest. “Lord Simon,” an influencer associated with Yaxley-Lennon, was among the first to call for nationwide protests, spreading false claims that the alleged Southport attacker was a recently arrived asylum seeker. His video has been viewed over a million times.

***Southport murder accused has been named named as Axel Rudakubana (Image: BBC Newshub)***

The BBC’s analysis of hundreds of social media posts and Telegram groups has shed light on the motives of those organising and participating in the protests. While it is challenging to pinpoint who initiated the protest calls, a clear pattern emerged: multiple influencers within various circles amplified false claims about the attacker’s identity, which then spread across platforms, reaching a broad audience.

***A police burns in Hartlepool (Image: PA)***

“There’s not been a single driving force,” says Joe Mulhall, head of research at Hope Not Hate, an anti-racism research group. “There are large numbers of people engaging in activity online but there’s no membership structure or badge—there are not even formalised leaders, but they are directed by social media influencers. It’s like a school of fish rather than a traditional organisation.”

One of the earliest signs of brewing protests appeared in a Southport-themed group on Telegram, created about six hours after the attack. Telegram, often used by far-right activists to avoid bans on other platforms, became flooded with misinformation about the attacker’s identity and calls for a protest on St Luke’s Street in Southport, home to the local mosque.

***Axel Rudakubana is brought to court in Liverpool (Image: Sky News)***

Graphics promoting the protest migrated from Telegram to TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, where they gained significant traction. Messages encouraging demonstrators to hide their identities from the police also circulated widely.

Far-right activists saw an opportunity in the Southport tragedy to amplify their messages on major social media platforms. Matthew Hankinson, a former National Action member, documented the Southport demonstration live on X, describing police actions as “oppression of peaceful protesters.” His videos, viewed thousands of times, have been used to justify extreme violence and spread racist material.

Yaxley-Lennon, who left the UK on Sunday ahead of a major court hearing, has been pivotal in spreading unrest. His X account, restored last year, boasts 800,000 followers. His posts about the Southport tragedy and related disorder have been widely shared.

Prominent supporters like Rikki Doolan and Jesse Clarke have been identified in video footage of the Southport protests, furthering the unrest. Smaller groups, including Patriotic Alternative, have also promoted the protests, using the slogan “Enough is Enough,” which has gained significant attention on X.

According to Mulhall, the language and organisation of these protests are highly organic, with local Facebook groups playing a crucial role in disseminating information from influencers.

The future remains uncertain, with at least 30 additional demonstrations planned across the UK. Some social media posts directly reference the Southport attack, while others focus on broader fears of illegal migration and child protection.

The recent protests underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of far-right mobilisation in the UK. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the interplay between online influence and on-the-ground action presents a significant challenge for maintaining public order and addressing misinformation.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

4 minutes ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

Crime

Rugby player’s life changed forever by knife attack — attacker jailed for 22½ years

Published

2 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Seren Baker

A YOUNG rugby player was left fighting for his life after being stabbed repeatedly outside a Gorseinon social club — and on Friday (Dec 19) the man responsible was jailed at Swansea Crown Court.

Morgan Hopkins, aged 18 at the time of the attack, was seriously injured in the early hours of Sunday (June 22) outside The New Lodge Social Club on Alexandra Road.

Mr Hopkins, known to friends as “Hobby”, is a local rugby player with Morriston RFC. He had been waiting for a lift home with his girlfriend when trouble broke out nearby.

The court heard that Mr Hopkins attempted to defuse a confrontation between another group of males and Kane Evans. As tensions rose, Evans approached Mr Hopkins armed with a knife.

In a final attempt to calm the situation, Mr Hopkins reportedly said: “No one needed to get hurt.”

***Morgan Hopkins,18, pictured here with his parents was left with life-changing injuries following the attack***

Moments later, Evans launched a ferocious and unprovoked attack.

Mr Hopkins was stabbed no fewer than ten times to the chest and abdomen. Surgeons later told police that one of the wounds was less than half an inch from being fatal.

He underwent extensive emergency surgery and was left with lasting physical and psychological injuries.

In a victim personal statement read to the court, Mr Hopkins described the terror of the attack and the devastating impact it has had on his life.

He said his dream of playing professional rugby had been put on hold, adding that the loss of weekly matches had left him feeling lost and isolated. He told the court he no longer felt safe in his own home and struggled to go out, describing ongoing anxiety and depression.

Mr Hopkins also detailed the financial consequences of the attack, saying he had lost around £4,800 in wages and a further £800 from a cancelled holiday.

Police confirmed that Kane Evans, now aged 21, had gone out that night armed with a kitchen knife and may also have been carrying a second Stanley-type blade.

Officers said Evans was aggressive at the time of his arrest and was later charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.

At Swansea Crown Court today, Evans was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years to follow.

Passing sentence, the judge described the attack as random and extremely violent, warning that Evans posed a serious ongoing risk to the public.

Family members and supporters of Mr Hopkins were present in court as the sentence was handed down.

Since the attack, friends, teammates and members of the local community have rallied around Mr Hopkins, offering support as he continues his recovery from injuries that have permanently altered his life.

Crime

Police appeal after stolen Ford Fiesta crashes into lamppost

Published

2 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Officers ask residents to check CCTV and dashcam footage

POLICE are appealing for information following the theft of a vehicle in Ystradowen on Thursday evening (Dec 18).

A silver Ford Fiesta, registration CV05 CVJ, was reported stolen from a property on Brynawel Terrace, Penygraig Road, at around 5.30pm.

The vehicle was later discovered on New Road, Cwmllynfell, where it had been involved in a collision with a lamppost.

Dyfed-Powys Police are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who lives or travelled along the route between Brynawel Terrace and New Road, Cwmllynfell, to check their CCTV or dashcam footage in case the incident was captured.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101, or by sending a direct message via social media.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Quote reference: 25*1032732.