Fake News Website Sparks UK Riots After Southport Stabbings
A bogus news site tied to Russia spread lies about the Southport stabbing spree, igniting violent riots across the UK. On Monday, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana was arrested for stabbing three girls to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, leaving nine others critically injured.
False Reports Fuel Far-Right Fury
The misinformation campaign began with a social media account, Channel3 Now, posing as a US news outlet. It falsely named the culprit as asylum seeker Ali Al-Shakati, claiming he was on an MI6 watchlist and flagged for mental health issues.
- Russian state media and far-right figures Tommy Robinson and Andrew Tate amplified the fake claims.
- Channel3 Now’s post got nearly two million views before it was deleted.
- The site’s editor later posted an AI-generated apology, saying the responsible team was “sacked.”
Police Clamp Down Amid Riots
Merseyside Police confirmed the suspect was born in Cardiff, not the false identity spread online. Despite this, far-right hooligans hijacked a vigil for the victims in Southport, clashing with police, chanting “English til I die,” and setting a police van ablaze.
Inside the Fake News Outlet
Investigations revealed Channel3 Now began 11 years ago as a Russian YouTube channel posting rally-driving videos linked to Russia’s defence and intelligence sectors. After six years offline, it resurfaced in 2019, rebranding multiple times to mimic legitimate news sources such as ‘Fox3 News.’
- Although claiming US roots, the site is hosted in Lithuania and uses privacy tools to mask ownership.
- The false suspect name first appeared on Twitter from a UK anti-lockdown activist before Channel3 and Russian state broadcaster RT copied it.
- Despite Channel3 deleting the false claim, RT kept it online with a weak editor’s note retracting the story.
Experts Warn of Russian Disinformation Ahead of Election
Security advisor Stephen McPartland accused Russia of running social media misinformation campaigns to stir UK tensions. He urged a “substantial review” of cybersecurity and misinformation ahead of upcoming elections, warning:
“Disinformation to undermine democracy is a huge part of the Russian playbook… The tragic events in Southport are being mobilized by hostile states to stir up hatred and division instead of letting the community grieve. We need much more cyber-resilience throughout our whole society and economy to defend democracy.”
