Leader of Sefton Council and Mayor of Sefton respond to disorder in Southport

Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council said:

“In the past couple of days, Southport and the country has been shocked and saddened by the terrible events of Monday morning.

“The vigil held at The Atkinson was a heartwarming reminder of how communities so often come together to provide love and support.

“With that in mind, we are appalled that a small minority of people have capitalised on this tragedy in order to spread fear and hatred.

“Our thoughts should be with the victims and their loved ones.

“We condemn these violent protests and would like to make it clear that their message of division is against everything we stand for in Sefton.

“Members of the emergency services, who just yesterday rushed in to save the innocent victims and who today everyone applauded are now facing the attacks of people deliberately targeting them with missiles to support their own twisted political agendas."

Responding to the major event in Southport today, Cllr June Burns the Mayor of Sefton who addressed this evening’s community vigil in Southport said:

“I am sure I speak for everyone in Sefton and beyond when I say I was heartbroken to hear Monday’s tragic events in Southport but heartened by the display of unity shown at this evening’s vigil in the town centre.

“It was an opportunity to pass on my heartfelt thoughts and condolences to all the families affected and express my sincerest thanks to all those who responded to this incident. Their brave action stopped this tragedy being even worse than it is.

“Given how distressing must this has been for local residents, I am furious that a small minority has ignored the calls for understanding and respect to pursue a twisted agenda of mistrust and hate.

“These people have turned on the brave officers who were just yesterday saving the lives of small children and their brave parents, to pursue an agenda of division and violence.

“They should be ashamed of themselves.”