A huge clean up operation is underway this morning (Wed) after hundreds of far-right thugs rioted in Southport - leaving 22 police officers injured.

Violence flared when hundreds of demonstrators - believed to be supporters of the English Defence League - hurled bricks at cops and set a police van alight.

They'd earlier converged on a mosque, smashing its windows and chanting racist slogans.

It comes after false information spread online about the supposed identity of a 17-year-old arrested for stabbing three children to death at a dance class in the town.

The Cardiff-born suspect's parents are reportedly from Rwanda, a largely Christian country.

But disinformation on social media falsely named him as a supposed Muslim migrant who crossed the channel in a dinghy.

Merseyside Police said 22 of its officers were injured following the violent disorder.

They said eight sustained serious injuries including fractures, cuts, a suspected broken nose and concussion.

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."

"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."