The UK has been hit by a wave of escalating violence that erupted earlier this week after three young girls were killed in a knife attack in Southport, northwest England, sparking a wave of false online claims that the suspected killer was a Muslim migrant.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a former chief prosecutor facing his first crisis since coming to power in a July 4 election, has warned rioters they face lengthy prison sentences as he seeks to quell the UK’s worst outbreak of violence in 13 years.

In the first sentences handed down since the riots began, a 58-year-old man was jailed for three years for violent disorder, while two others, aged 41 and 29, were sentenced to 20 and 30 months respectively.

“This is swift action we are taking. If you incite violence on the streets or online, you will face the full force of the law,” Mr Starmer said.

Immigration law firms and migrant support centres have closed for the day and some GP services in areas affected by the protests said they would close early to protect their staff.

In towns and cities, groups of several hundred rioters have in recent days clashed with police and smashed windows of hotels housing asylum seekers from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, chanting “get them out” and “stop the boats” – a reference to people arriving in the UK in small boats without permission.

They also threw stones at mosques. Muslim organizations said it was a worrying time for their communities and issued safety advice for mosques and other Muslim organizations.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "The horrific scenes have left many Muslim and minority ethnic communities fearful and anxious."

The British government has set up a so-called "standing army" of 6,000 dedicated police officers to respond to any outbreak of violence, and says it will have enough troops to deal with any unrest.

Stephen Parkinson, director of public prosecutions, said children as young as 11 were involved in the violence and "could face lifelong consequences for their actions".

The National Police Chiefs' Council said more than 120 people have been charged and 428 arrested in connection with recent disorder.

Huy Hoang (according to Reuters)