A "criminal minority of thugs and extremists saw only an opportunity to hijack" grief in Southport, Merseyside, when they took part in violent disorder this summer, Yvette Cooper has warned.The Home Secretary told the Commons: "While millions of decent people across the country were praying for bereaved families, a criminal minority of thugs and extremists saw only an opportunity to hijack a town's grief."

A "criminal minority of thugs and extremists saw only an opportunity to hijack" grief in Southport, Merseyside, when they took part in violent disorder this summer, Yvette Cooper has warned.The Home Secretary told the Commons: "While millions of decent people across the country were praying for bereaved families, a criminal minority of thugs and extremists saw only an opportunity to hijack a town's grief."