IN FULL: Pair jailed over unrest in Southport and Liverpool

Two men were jailed over their parts in the riots sparked by the killing of three young girls at a community centre in Southport.

The duo were among hundreds of people arrested after riots broke out across the UK, fuelled by disinformation about the fatal stabbing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

John O'Malley, 43, was among a group of up to 1,000 people involved in the disorder outside a mosque in the Merseyside town, while William Nelson Morgan, 69, was found with a wooden cosh when he was detained by police during unrest in the Walton area of Liverpool four days later.

O'Malley and Morgan both admitted violent disorder, while Morgan also pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon. Each was jailed for 32 months during a sentencing hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.

The judge, Judge Andrew Menary KC, the Recorder of Liverpool, told O'Malley he had been "at the front of what was essentially a baying mob".

He added: "You were at the front and participating enthusiastically."