Police cleared the area directly outside the mosque and stood guard with batons raised as the police van blazed behind them.
Masked youths were seen scouring the ground for bricks littering the floor to throw at lines of officers.
Chants of “England till I die” where heard on the scene.
Heavy thuds were heard as the vans took hits and police raised their shields against incoming missiles.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned those responsible for the riots “would full force of the law.”
She said: “This morning when I visited Southport I saw a grieving community pulling together to support each other and care for the families who have lost loved ones in the face of an unspeakable tragedy.
“I met police officers and emergency service workers who showed incredible bravery in response to yesterday’s attack, and are leading an urgent and serious criminal investigation with the support of the community behind them.
“So these disgraceful scenes of violence and disorder we are witnessing this evening, with attacks on the Merseyside Police and a local mosque, are completely appalling.
“Those responsible will face the full force of the law. The community of Southport are reeling from a horrifying ordeal and families are grieving.
“This violent thuggery, which has overshadowed a peaceful vigil for three little girls, is an insult to the community and to all those who need the space to process what has happened and to heal.”
