Muslim Council of Britain urges UK Government to end “forces of hatred” after riot in Southport

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) stated that they will “stand firm” against “forces of hatred and division” after riots outside a Southport Mosque. 

Merseyside Police confirm that a “large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defence League” – began to throw items towards the mosque at around 7.45 pm on Tuesday, 30th July. 

Stones, bricks and bottles were also thrown at police officers and their vehicles, which were damaged and set on fire. 

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said that 39 people were treated for injuries, all of whom were police officers. 

NWAS’s statement via X said: “27 (officers) were taken to hospital, and 12 were treated and discharged at the scene.” 

Merseyside Police later added that eight officers were seriously injured, suffering from facial injuries and one who was knocked unconscious. 

The MCB paid tribute to the three young girls who were killed in Southport on Monday before condemning “shocking scenes of far-right rioters running amok outside a mosque”. 

The MCB states that the Islamophobic backlash began with a false rumour on the internet, which was then backed by misinformation from a Russian news site, which wrongfully associated the heinous crime with Muslims and illegal immigrants.  

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.” 

The MCB said Monday’s tragedy, in which Alica DaSilva Aguiar, aged 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 MCB 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 High Court was told on Monday that Robinson has since left the country after committing “flagrant” contempt of court regarding a film played at the protest in Central London. 

Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, who will remain in custody, accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at a Taylor Swift-themed dance studio in Hart Street.