Mansfield 103.2's Tony Delahunty spoke to Mark Dickson about the unfolding story this afternoon.
Police say yesterday's clashes in Southport - in which 50 police officers were injured - was "mindless hooliganism".
Violence broke out near a mosque after three girls were killed in a stabbing at a dance class on Monday.
There's no suggestion the 17-year-old suspect is Muslim - and police have been given more time to question him.
You can hear the full interview which went out on air this afternoon below