Police forces across the UK must improve their readiness to respond to online misinformation and prioritise intelligence on public disorder, according to a new review examining the riots that erupted in summer 2024. The review found that false narratives shared online in the wake of the Southport attack significantly contributed to the escalation of violence.
The riots followed a tragic attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, where three young girls were murdered in July 2024. In the aftermath, social media posts spread false claims suggesting the attacker was a recently arrived Muslim migrant. These fabricated accusations triggered widespread unrest, with mobs targeting asylum-seeker housing, mosques, libraries, and community centres — marking the worst street violence in the UK since the 2011 riots.
Police Forces Unprepared for Digital Disinformation
The official review, released on Wednesday, revealed that police lacked the resources and systems to effectively manage the risks posed by online content. The UK’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Andy Cooke, criticised the failure to act swiftly on changing public sentiment and stressed the need for law enforcement to counter misinformation with “accurate, innovative, and far-reaching” messaging.
Better Intelligence and Communication Strategies Needed
The report concluded that police forces must strengthen their intelligence networks to better monitor and respond to emerging tensions. It called for enhanced digital communication strategies to counteract fake news and fill information gaps that allow conspiracy theories to flourish.
Crucially, the review found no conclusive evidence that the riots were planned or orchestrated by organised groups. Rather, it described the unrest as being driven by disaffected individuals and online influencers who incited violence.
Details of the Southport Attack and Legal Outcome
The Southport attacker, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, killed three girls and injured ten others, including children and adults. In January 2025, he was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in prison. Despite his actions, the spread of misinformation about his identity contributed significantly to the scale and ferocity of the riots.
The findings have renewed calls for UK police forces to adapt to the evolving digital threat landscape and ensure they are better prepared to prevent similar outbreaks of violence in future.
