A man in his 30s has been arrested in Manchester after a viral video showed him chasing a Muslim couple with a hedge trimmer. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening at a petrol station, has sparked widespread outrage and concern amid ongoing far-right riots across the UK.
The Incident
The video, filmed from inside the couple’s car, shows a man retrieving a hedge trimmer from his van before running towards their vehicle as they quickly drive away. The footage has been widely circulated on social media, amassing over 1.5 million views and prompting a swift response from Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
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On Wednesday, GMP confirmed that a man had been arrested on Tuesday night on suspicion of affray and remains in police custody for questioning. Although many social media users labeled the man a “far-right thug,” police have stated that the assault is not currently being investigated as a hate crime.
Far-Right Riots
This incident comes as the UK grapples with a surge in far-right riots following the brutal murder of three young girls in Southport on 29 July. False allegations initially spread online that the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker, fueling violent attacks on mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers in towns like Rotherham and Tamworth.
Authorities have since identified the attacker as Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents. Despite this clarification, far-right groups continue to exploit the tragedy to incite violence and spread misinformation.
Political Reactions
The riots have drawn significant attention from prominent right-wing figures. Nigel Farage questioned why the Southport stabbing was not being treated as a terror-related incident and speculated about the suspect’s immigration status. Farage also expressed support for controversial social media personality Andrew Tate, who falsely claimed the assailant had crossed the English Channel in 2016.
Meanwhile, anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson posted videos of the riots, describing them as a response to “legitimate concerns” about immigration and calling for “mass deportations.” Robinson’s inflammatory rhetoric has been condemned for exacerbating tensions and inciting further violence.
Government Response
In response to the escalating violence, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised to take a hard line against those involved in the riots. Over 400 rioters have been arrested, with more than 100 individuals facing charges. Starmer assured the public that those inciting violence online or participating in the unrest would face “the full force of the law.”
On Tuesday evening, Starmer held a Cobra meeting to address the crisis, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring community safety. “We will not tolerate this kind of lawlessness,” he stated. “Those responsible will be held accountable.”
Broader Implications
The recent wave of far-right riots and the attack on the Muslim couple highlight the ongoing challenges the UK faces with racism and xenophobia. The false narratives perpetuated by social media have contributed to a volatile environment, making it essential for authorities to combat misinformation and protect vulnerable communities.
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Human rights groups and community leaders have called for greater efforts to promote social cohesion and address the root causes of extremism. They emphasize the need for inclusive policies and education to counteract the divisive rhetoric that fuels hatred and violence.