OPEN LETTER: SHOW SOUTHPORT YOUR SUPPORT

The riots that have unfolded across the country in recent days have been nothing short of disgraceful.

Usually when there is a terrible tragedy, such as the events of Monday 29 July in Southport, there is time, space and quietness to allow families and communities to grieve and heal.

Thankfully, we have seen this begin to emerge in Southport, and with the peaceful scenes in towns and cities on Wednesday, 7 August, hope is appearing elsewhere, too.

For many, watching the riots unfold up and down the country has been a time of great distress.

We hope this letter funnels the frustration, distress, and discomfort we know the vast majority of people feel into something meaningful – rather than just another click, like, or love heart on social media.

This letter is a sign that we are all together with Southport at this time and we do not advocate the violence, thuggery and aggression which is being carried out thinly in its name.

The three young girls who died - Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine; deserve to be remembered and honoured with the love, the smiles, and the kindness with which they lived their lives.

The flowers of Hart Street, in the Town Hall Gardens, and outside the three primary schools that the three girls attended must not be discoloured by those who do not speak for or represent the unity that has taken place in Southport as people try to heal.

From blowing bubbles outside the Town Hall, the sea of flowers, teddy bears and tributes left to the numerous solidarity events, Southport has shown the compassion and care which 99.9 per cent of us feel in the wake of the death of three young lives.

We hope for a peaceful rest of the summer. For many, this should be a period of stillness and reflection – what was known as wake weeks, when people took a break from the hum-drum and bustle of daily life. That has been so sorely lacking due to a mindless few spreading hate and division.

Let’s have a moment of silence for Southport, let people grieve and process what’s happened, and allow the authorities to conduct the process of justice. We should not allow other people to try to divert the story away from this.

If you feel comfortable to do so and support our view, please take a moment to sign this letter and show your solidarity.