England, UK

A teenager was charged with rioting on Thursday (Aug 15), becoming the first person prosecuted for involvement in the widespread violence that has gripped the United Kingdom.

Britain's Crown Prosecution Service said the 15-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, would appear at South Tyneside Youth Court later Thursday and be asked to enter a plea.

The teenager was charged following turmoil in Sunderland in northern England on Aug. 2.

“This defendant is one of a number of individuals who we anticipate will be charged with riot," said Gale Gilchrist, chief crown prosecutor for northeast England.

Also read: ‘Cut all their throats...,’ UK councillor arrested after making threat at anti-violence rally

Fueled by misinformation that the suspect in the fatal stabbing of three children was a Muslim asylum seeker, riots broke out on July 30. Hundreds have been detained as the violence spread across the nation, targeting mosques and other locations.

Many have been charged with violent disorder and sentenced, but no one had so far been charged with rioting, a more serious offense that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Last week, a 26-year-old individual was sentenced to a prison term exceeding three years for disseminating incendiary content on social media platforms, targeting hotels accommodating asylum seekers.

Mayor of London urges Londoners to check on friends

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has urged Londoners to check on their friends and neighbors, as Muslims and minority ethnic communities have been left feeling fearful following the recent UK riots.

“The acts of violence and disorder on the streets of London will not be tolerated. Anyone found guilty of committing a crime will be arrested and face the full force of the law,' said Khan.

Also read: UK protests: Anti-racism protests sweep post riots

“The disorder, racism and violence that we have seen in towns and cities across the country in the last week have been truly shocking,” Khan wrote on X.

“The disturbing events have left many Muslims and minority ethnic communities feeling scared and fearful. I urge my fellow Londoners to check on their friends and neighbors, demonstrating that care and compassion are what Londoners stand for,” the mayor urged.

(With inputs from agencies)