Walk to show solidarity in Southport after riots

Faith leaders and politicians are setting out on a special joint walk and shared meal in Southport later in a show of solidarity against hatred.

The Walk of Unity will begin at the mosque targeted by rioters in the wake of stabbings in the resort in which three young girls died.

Organisers said they wanted to bring the community together after the violent disorder which followed the attack on 29 July.

The walk starts at 12:00 BST and will start at the mosque on Sussex Road and head through town, concluding with a meal at a synagogue.

It is being backed by Strengthening Faith Institutions, Together, The Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Faiths Forum for London and the Ostro Fayre Share Foundation.

Organisers said the event served as a reminder that amid tragedy, the community in Southport was committed to creating a lasting legacy of connection across divides and to show it stood against hate and division.

The event follows a fundraiser on Sunday for the local hospitals which cared for the victims of the stabbings.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were killed in the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed children's dance class on Hart Street.

Unrest broke out in the resort hours after a vigil to honour the victims was held.

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