Leaders in Reading have spoken out after disorder has swept towns and cities across England in the wake of the attack in Southport.
Axel Rudakubana, a teenager, is accused of murdering three girls – Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar – at a dance event on Monday, July 29. After the attack, false claims circulated online that the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker.
A wave of ugly incidents of disorders have occurred since then in towns and cities across the country.
Leaders in Reading have called for calm in the wake of the disorder.
READ MORE: Reading police prepare for potential riots amid UK-wide disorder
Olivia Bailey, the Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, has condemned the 'thuggery' the nation witnessed last weekend, and thanked police for keeping order.
She said: "I know local people are horrified by the appalling scenes that have blighted so many towns and cities across the UK over the past few days.
"This violence and hate does not represent Britain.
"Anyone committing this violent thuggery will rightly face the full force of the law.
"I would like to thank the police for what they are doing to protect our communities. I am in touch with them locally along with local councils and local organisations. I want to urge anyone with any concerns at all to reach out to the police.
"Do also feel free to email me at olivia.bailey.mp@parliament.uk if I can help in any way.
"I understand the deep concern of many in the community.
"The disgusting racism and Islamophobia we have witnessed over the country is deplorable and I stand with anyone feeling threatened or intimidated.
"In Reading West and Mid Berkshire our diversity is our strength."
The risk of disorder has also been condemned by Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley.
Ms Yang said: "There is no place for far-right violence and racist abuse on our streets. Those who participate in such violence will face the full force of the law.
"Reading is an area with a proud history of multiculturalism and diversity. It is important that we do not let rumours started by extremist thugs who seek to divide us disrupt our ways of life. We must be cautious about misinformation online. Please be careful about circulating unsubstantiated rumours from social media, so as not to cause undue fears.
"I am continuing to meet with our local faith and community leaders to discuss the situation. I stand, and hope we all stand, in solidarity with the communities who feel most vulnerable and most at risk from the abuse that is perpetuating online and across the country."
Councillor Glenn Dennis, the Mayor of Reading, has called for calm and a de-escalation of tensions amid unconfirmed social media posts.
Cllr Dennis (Labour, Kentwood) said: "At this time we have to keep people calm. All of this going round is just social media bunk."
Meanwhile, cllr Liz Terry (Labour, Coley) the leader of Reading Borough Council said that Reading is a diverse town with high levels of social cohesion, and has typically avoided incidents of violence and disorder.
The Reading Muslim organisation has encouraged all members of the community to remain peaceful and to refrain from participating in any counter-protests.
READ MORE: Full statement from Reading Muslim organisation in wake of riots across the country
Mian Saleem, the chairman of the Reading Pakistan Community Centre, said: "We are all deeply concerned about what's going on, particularly for families.
"I've seen a rumour that disorder might be coming this weekend. I've been contacting people I know asking them to be vigilant and for women and children to be kept safe.
"It's better to be safe than sorry."
Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading Central has reacted to the disorder taking place elsewhere on X/Twitter by reposting Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer saying that those guilty of disorder will be punished, and a Times article featuring leaders of the Abrahamic religions condemning the riots.
This article has been updated with a statement from Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley.
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