BBC Breakfast fans outraged over Ben and Sarah's 'pathetic' Southport riots remark

BBC Breakfast faced the wrath of viewers this morning, as tensions continue to rise across the UK. Following the tragic stabbing of three little girls in Southport last week, the nation has seen a number of violent riots break out across the country, with many police officers being injured.

BBC hosts Sarah Campbell and Ben Thompson reported on the matter this morning (August 5), after the weekend saw mosques and hotels used to house asylum seekers in numerous towns and cities being targeted by far-right thugs. In Rotherham, a hotel was set on fire, while police officers were also attacked with missiles.

Opening the show, Sarah said: "Our headlines today. Violent clashes in towns an cities across the UK over the weekend, following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport." Ben added: "The Prime Minister has condemned the disorder and is due to hold an emergency Cobra meeting today."

"How #BBCBreakfast began their program this morning - no mention of 'far right', 'racist', 'fascist' or 'Islamophobia'. Instead, 'violent clashes'."

But fans at home branded the BBC show "pathetic" as they urged them to "call out the truth" over the language used to describe the riots.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: "Pathetic, @BBCBreakfast! 'Violent clashes' is just a euphemism for racism and fascism. You're too afraid to call out the truth, aren't you? #BBCBreakfast #UKRiots #FarageRiot."

Another added: "You're reporting on the riots, but where's the outrage? 10 police officers injured and you're still not calling out the racists and fascists behind it. Stop tiptoeing around the truth! #GMB #r4today #UKRiots #FarageRiot #BBCBreakfast."

While a third penned: "#BBCBreakfast is like Cbeebies for adults. Sanitised simplicity."

Elsewhere on the show, Ben and Sarah welcomed on Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as she addressed the violence seen over the weekend. She said: "We saw disgraceful scenes of criminal violence and thuggery in some of our towns and cities.

"There is no excuse for that kind of behaviour, throwing bricks at police officers, targeting mosques and looting of shops. It was total, disgraceful, criminal behaviour and we should be clear, there will be a reckoning.

"Those criminals will pay the price. There have already been hundreds of arrests.

"We have already made clear to the police that they have our full support in persuing those involved with the full range of prosecutions and penalties including prison sentences, and including long term tagging and travel bans."

BBC Breakfast airs on BBC from 6am on weekdays