12-year-old boy becomes youngest person to be charged over riots

He is one of 466 people who have been formally charged

The youth, who cannot be named due to his age, was charged with violent disorder on July 30.

Merseyside Police said he’s among three males to be charged over the riot that broke out the day after Bebe King, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Elsie Dot Stancombe were stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

The boy is due to appear at Merseyside Youth Court later today while Harvey Gabbott, 21 and Paul Dryhurst, 33, are due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court, also charged with violent disorder.

A total of 30 people have been charged in connection with the disorder that left more than 50 police officers injured when 1000 people gathered outside a mosque after misinformation was spread online.

Another 12-year-old and a 13-year-old are due to appear at Manchester Magistrates Court also charged with violent disorder according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

By the end of the day yesterday, 927 people nationwide had been arrested with 466 of those formally charged.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “The government will not rest until the job is done,” as the police and courts continue to pursue those involved in the riots.

There has been a de-escalation in the disorder over the weekend but the country remains on ‘high alert’.

The government went on to thank the police and prosecutors saying: “Thanks to the work of our police officers, prosecutors... and judiciary, we have seen a swift response from the justice system.

"Within a matter of days, we've seen criminals involved arrested, charged, sentenced and behind bars."