Council Leader pledges to stand strong with Muslim friends, neighbours and colleagues (2/8/24)
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “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.”
“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.”
Response after outbreaks of disorder (30/7/24)
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."
Cllr June Burns the Mayor of Sefton furious at violence after peace of vigil (30/7/24)
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 the evening 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.”
Sefton reflects on tragic incident (30/7/24)
Leaders in Sefton are offering ‘whatever it takes’ to support the local community as the community comes to terms with the tragic incident, which took place on Monday.
The local community has been in mourning as people reflect on the events of the last 24 hours that have left everyone ‘shocked and saddened’.
Sefton Council is moving to reassure residents they will do whatever it takes to support the local community as it deals with the impacts of one of the saddest days in the borough’s history.
Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “It has been a tremendously difficult time for the people of Sefton and my heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by what happened yesterday.
“I know our community will stay strong and that has been seen in the truly amazing acts of kindness that have happened since Monday.
“My message to the people of Sefton is that we are here to help you and we will provide you with whatever support is required.
“It will take time for us to come to terms with this but we will stay strong together and the offers of support that we’ve had from across the world are much appreciated.”
Major incident response (29/7/24)
Since the incident took place Sefton Council has been working with the police and partners in a major incident response.
A vigil is being held on Tuesday evening, books of condolence are being made available for people to sign and community groups and organisations have been opening up the doors and making generous offers of support.
Those directly affected by the incident are being supported by specially trained officers and a dedicated webpage at sefton.gov.uk has been set up to for anyone who needs access to help and support.
Councillor Atkinson added: “We’ve been working around the clock to support the local community and I’d like to thank our brave emergency services, council staff and members of the public who have helped in any way.
“It’s important we all stick together and I know we will come through this stronger.
“If you are affected by this incident in any way please ask for help – talk to your friends and family or visit our dedicated webpage at sefton.gov.uk.”
The council is also urging people not to speculate on social media while the police conduct their enquiries as it may hamper the investigation, affect future court proceedings and cause further distress to the families.
The council’s website will be updated with more information and support as it becomes available.