Far-right violence erupted for another night threatening mosques and the Muslim community, leading Prime Minister Keir Starmer to create a new violent disorder unit and promise to “take every step possible” to keep the community safe.

Angry mobs took to the streets Wednesday evening across London, Hartlepool, Hampshire, and Manchester, causing violence, destruction, and clashing with police. In Hartlepool, racists punched an Asian man, and police kept the mob at bay from threatening mosques.

The violence followed Tuesday’s events, where hundreds of masked rioters besieged a Southport mosque, hurled plant pots, bricks, and empty bins at riot police, and set a police van on fire.

False online rumours about the suspect in Monday’s stabbing and killing of three children triggered the racially fueled attacks.

On Thursday, authorities named the suspect as Cardiff-born Axel Rudakubana and not an illegal immigrant and/or Muslim lie spread online by racists and far-right influencers to trigger the unrest.

In response to the violence, Starmer announced a new “national capability” to tackle violent disorder and rioters. He also warned social media firms about their responsibility to clamp down on misinformation.

On how the Muslim community are feeling about the recent troubles, Starmer said: “I will take every step possible to keep you safe.

He added: “Mosques are being attacked because they’re mosques – the far right are showing who they are. We have to show who we are in response to that.”

The ugly: hate on the streets

In Hartlepool, the mob shouted racist abuse and attacked police cars. A video showed an Asian man punched in an unprovoked racist attack while police kept the rioters away from a mosque.

In London, police arrested around 100 protesters who threw flares at Downing Street’s gates and scuffled with officers.

“Over 100 people have been arrested for offences including violent disorder, assault on an emergency worker, and breach of protest conditions,” the Metropolitan Police said on Wednesday night.

In Manchester, a mob besieged a Holiday Inn housing asylum seekers and there were reports of a man getting dragged from a vehicle and physically attacked.

The far right EDL reportedly instigated much of the street violence. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner suggested the Home Office would consider proscribing the EDL under terrorism laws.

The good: Community unites

The recent events have highlighted what Muslims have known; that mainstream Islamophobia in politics, media, and now social media has created this far-right and racist resurgence. And that the discrimination of Muslims is the catalyst for broader racist attitudes.

Strip away the division stirred up by right-wing media and politicians, the events also showcased the humanity and decency of ordinary British people.

In Southport, residents gathered to clean up after the violence. Tradesmen rebuilt the mosque’s walls and windows while young children helped sweep. Local businesses donated food and drinks for volunteers.

Hartlepool saw similar community support. Andrew Cooper started a fundraiser for Nasir Mosque, surpassing the £1k target to raise over £10k.

“It’s easy to lose sight of the hard work, selfless acts and constant dedication that different communities contribute to our incredible town,” said Cooper in the JustGiving page.

“Nasir Mosque has cooked and served out almost 30,000 meals to food banks and charities of Hartlepool in recent years, amongst countless other altruistic acts!”

The page is filled with messages from non-Muslims standing united against hate and offering support.

Here are just some of the messages:

“Former Hartlepudlian here absolutely disgusted at the hate and violence. Fascism and racism will not win if we stand up for what’s right. I’m not Muslim but wanted to say salam alaykum and send love x”

“Great to see the people of Hartlepool coming together to show that the mindless thugs from last night do not represent the town. I may not live there now but will always be my home”

“You are welcome in Hartlepool and in England. Don’t let any racist bigots make you think otherwise”