Muslim group calls on Government to end ‘forces of hatred’ after Southport riot
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) says it will “stand firm” against “forces of hatred and division” in the wake of a riot outside a Southport mosque.
Merseyside Police said “a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defence League” – began to throw items towards the mosque at around 7.45pm on Tuesday.
Officers put on helmets and riot gear after stones and bottles were launched at them and police vehicles were damaged and set on fire.
North West Ambulance Service said 39 people were treated, “all of which were police officers”.
“27 were taken to hospital and 12 were treated and discharged at scene”, a statement on X said.
Merseyside Police said eight officers suffered serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.
Other officers have suffered varying degrees of injury including head injuries, serious facial injuries, and one was knocked unconscious.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) paid tribute to the three young girls killed in Southport on Monday, before condemning “shocking scenes of far-right rioters running amok outside a mosque”.
The MCB says Islamaphobic backlash began with a false rumour on the internet which was then stoked by misinformation from a Russian news site, which wrongfully associated the crime with Muslims.
MCB secretary-general Zara Mohammed said: “At a time of great tragedy, loss, and mourning, we must stand firm against the cynical forces of hatred and division. This does not represent our diverse Britain and the people of Southport.
“The Government must address the increasing rise of violent far-right extremism targeting Muslim communities. More must be done to tackle Islamophobia and offer reassurance at this time.”
She added: “We commend the authorities for their swift action, and our prayers are with the mosque, the families of the victims of yesterday’s attack, and the local community.”
The MCB said Monday’s tragedy, in which Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were all fatally stabbed and another eight children were injured, has been exploited to spark outrage.
The national representative Muslim umbrella body called on the Government to act, connecting Tuesday’s riots with a march through the streets of London made up of Tommy Robinson supporters.
The MCB said the crowds were “openly spewing invective against Muslim communities”.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has since left the country after committing “flagrant” contempt of court relating to a film played at the protest in central London, the High Court was told on Monday.
Monday’s attack in Southport saw Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, fatally stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.
Eight other children were also stabbed, with five children and two adults left in a critical condition.
A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance studio in Hart Street.
