Moment rioter gets hit in the head with a brick... and then again where it REALLY hurts during violent clashes with police in Southport

A Southport rioter wheeled away in agony after he was struck in the head with a brick by fellow protesters - before being hit again in the crotch as he tried to escape.

The protester, wearing a grey tracksuit, was filmed flamboyantly striding up to an army of police officers holding riot shields before putting his hands on his hips and posing.

But as he tried to goad the officers, he was nearly sent tumbling to the floor as a giant brick smashed into his face and the back of his head at the same time.

One flying brick rebounded off a riot shield into his face, while another connected with the back of his head.

As he tried to walk away rubbing the back of his head, he was then hit with a third brick in the crotch. Shouts of 'f***ing hell boys' were heard as two other rioters tried to help him out of the crowd.

Rioters had taken to the streets barely an hour after thousands gathered for a vigil at 6pm to remember the three girls who lost their lives during the horrific Southport rampage at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday.

The three girls were yesterday named by police as six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

Just yards away from the emotional vigil, a 32-year-old man was separately arrested after being caught carrying a flick knife on Eastbank Street at 6.55pm.

On nearby St Luke's Street, a crowd of men surrounded the Southport Mosque amen Islamic Cultural Centre and began hurling rubble at police officers who had formed a protective line around the building. 

The thugs, many wearing masks and hoodies, were seen targeting the Muslim place of worship at around 7.45pm - including shattering windows - after police issued a warning over an 'incorrect' name for the alleged attacker being widely circulated online.

A 17-year-old boy, originally from Cardiff but from the nearby Lancashire village of Banks, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder. 

The violence appears to have been fuelled by false claims online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat.

Merseyside Police said: 'We would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing.' 

Local mosque groups condemned the violence aimed towards Muslims, adding: 'We must not let those who seek to divide us and spread hatred use this as an opportunity.'

Merseyside Police confirmed that 22 officers were injured following the violent disorder.

They said that eight suffered serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.

The force said that other police officers suffered head injuries, serious facial injures and one was even knocked unconscious. 

Protesters also set cars and wheelie bins belonging to members of the public alight, threw bricks at the local Mosque and damaged a local convenience store.

Three police dogs were also injured. Police Dogs Zoe and Ike have sustained leg injuries from bricks thrown at them. 

A third dog, PD Quga, who was bitten, strangled and kicked by an offender at the beginning of this month, suffered burns to her back leg.

Police have introduced a 24-hour Section 60 Order in the area and extra officers will remain in the area to provide a visible presence to reassure communities.

The Order, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, gives officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals in the area and is designed to minimise serious violence.

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: 'Tonight, Merseyside Police has faced serious violence in Southport and I am so proud to have witnessed off-duty officers (many of whom had not long finished a full shift) parade back on duty to support their colleagues who had displayed such courage whilst under constant and sustained attack. 

'I would also like to thank officers from Greater Manchester Police, Cheshire Police, Lancashire Police and North Wales Police who also provided mutual aid and support.

'Sadly, offenders have destroyed garden walls so they could use the bricks to attack our officers and have set cars belonging to the public on fire, and damaged cars parked in the Mosque car park.

'This is no way to treat a community, least of all a community that is still reeling from the events of Monday.

'We would appeal to anyone who has information or video footage of those involved in this shocking behaviour to come forward so we can identify and arrest those responsible.

'Anyone with information can DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'

The Prime Minister said rioters in Southport had 'hijacked' a vigil for victims and would 'feel the full force of the law'.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Sir Keir said: 'The people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday.

'They deserve our support and our respect. Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves.'

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the rioting outside a mosque in Southport as 'violent attacks from thugs on the streets', which she branded 'appalling'.

Ms Cooper told broadcasters that she saw a community 'coming together' during her visit to Southport on Tuesday, and thanked police for their 'heroism'.

Ms Cooper added: 'That is why it is so appalling to now see those same police facing violent attacks from thugs on the streets who have no respect for a grieving community.

'It is a total disgrace. Frankly, this is a time when everyone should be showing respect for a community and for the police.'