“My heart breaks for Southport, for the lives lost and families devastated by this horrific attack on little girls enjoying their summer holidays.

My thoughts are with the families affected, the grieving community, and the brave emergency workers who day in, day out put themselves in danger to save lives.

It is disgusting that this tragedy is now being exploited by far right, racist and Islamophobic thugs to try to create division and hate, and to seek to justify shameful, violent disorder.  This isn’t protest, this is criminal behaviour.  I’ve been appalled to see some of the footage from towns and cities across the country this weekend and know the fear this spreads within our own diverse community.

Nobody in Hornsey & Friern Barnet should be made to feel unsafe because of who they are and there must be zero tolerance to all hate crimes.  Our mosques and places of worship must be protected.

Locally, I am in contact with our police and fully supportive of the steps they are taking to increase reassurance patrols.  Nationally, I welcome the statement from the Prime Minister and the backing being given to police forces up and down the country to stop organised violent disorder and make sure criminals pay the price.

Our community is strong and diverse, and we must stand together against hate.”

Catherine West MP
MP for Hornsey & Friern Barnet

How to report a crime

If you witness a crime or are in immediate danger, call the Police on 999.

* For non-emergencies, contact the police 24/7 at 101 or online at Report a Crime
* For anonymous crime reporting, call Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

How to report a hate crime

* In an emergency, call 999 and follow the ‘run, hide, tell’ advice.
* For non-emergencies, call 101 or visit your local neighbourhood police station.
* Report hate crimes online via Report It

Bibi Khan, President LICS and Chairperson of North London Council of Mosques put out this statement after our gathering at Wightman Road Mosque on Thursday 8 August.  We stand together in solidarity as one community:

“At this time of nationwide Islamophobic, racist, anti-immigrant and anti-refugee hate and violence, our congregation is anxious and fearful. Now more than ever, we need our diverse community to stand in solidarity against hate.

We are proud members of this beautiful North London community, having built strong relationships that traverse faith, race and language barriers. It is our strong community ties that offer us the sense of security and belonging we so desperately need in such worrying times, and allow us to come together as one, creating harmony and unity.

On behalf of the North London Council of Mosques and LICS, we are heartened and touched by the messages of support we have received from the wider community, the outstanding support from the police to keep our communities safe, and by the efforts of faith leaders from different backgrounds, as well as politicians and other community leaders to join us for a moment of solidarity.

We are stronger together and, when we unite, our voices rise above those who seek to divide us.”