Shocking violence has erupted in Southport, with masked thugs setting police vehicles ablaze and attacking officers.

The protesters descended on a mosque in the town, following rumours about the 17-year-old suspect being questioned by police in connection with the horrendous fatal stabbings of three little girls yesterday morning.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were all tragically knifed to death yesterday at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the north-west town.

Five children and two adults remain in a critical condition.

Tonight, police officers have had to face violent protesters hurling bricks and starting fires. There have been reports that someone in a balaclava has been arrested carrying a flick knife.

A Southport resident near to the disturbance told The Express: "A man knocked on our door screaming for help, his head was split open and pouring with blood. He was asking for a towel to help stop the blood.

"Someone had thrown a brick towards police and it hit him in the face. It was terrifying, my young child was stood behind me and seen it."

The large crowd is thought to be formed by members of the far-right EDL, according to Merseyside Police.

The force said in a statement: "At around 7.45pm, a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defence League – began to throw items towards a local mosque on St Luke’s Road in Southport.

"Officers who are deployed are currently dealing with criminal behaviour and violence with bottles and wheelie bins being thrown at them.

"As a result, an officer has suffered a suspected broken nose and police vehicles have been damaged and set alight.

"Additional patrols are now in attendance, including the Dog Section."

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.

“In the last 24 hours, we have seen overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to deal with their loss and care for victims injured during the major incident.

“Yesterday, our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face.

"Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavour to prevent disorder.

“The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside.

“There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.

“We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time.

“Our officers should not have to face this, but we will be there tonight to ensure the safety of the local community who have suffered enough, and will arrest those involved in criminal behaviour.”