Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council said today: “After the shocking events that took place on Tuesday night, we fully appreciate that Muslims in Southport, in Sefton and across the North West and beyond will be concerned.

“Our strongly held view is that Sefton’s Muslim community and those who attend local mosques are our friends, our neighbours and our colleagues.

“We will not tolerate attacks against those friends, neighbours and colleagues and we will stand strong and united alongside them against all forms of violence in our society.”

We condemn their actions

She continued: “The message of division is against everything we stand for in Sefton. We condemn their actions and will not tolerate them.

“At this terrible time, we must be focused on comforting and supporting the victims of this attack and their loved ones.

“Anyone with any decency will recognise this and support us in our efforts to provide that support.

“I hope the Muslim community can take heart from the amazing acts of kindness being supported by the local community, which is the version of Southport that we all know.” 

You can find more information about this week's events in Southport here.