Jo Platt condemns 'unsettling reports of unrest' after false rumours

Following the shocking stabbings in Southport on Monday, July 29, which claimed the lives of three young girls and left more in critical condition, protests have been organised in towns and cities across the country.

Many of these protests have turned violent, with mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers being attacked in some areas. Police forces have made more than 400 arrests across the country since last Tuesday.

With a tense atmosphere following previous protests and riots, social media was rife with rumours that there would be further disturbance last night (Wednesday, August 7), including in Leigh.

Rumours and disinformation sparked fear in communities and it is understood that some shops closed early, although no disturbance was reported in Leigh.

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Jo Platt issued a statement after the riots and rumours (Image: Sam Ryley)
Following the protests and disinformation, Leigh and Atherton MP Jo Platt shared a statement on social media.

The statement reads: "Yesterday, there were unsettling reports of unrest. This caused significant unease and distress throughout our communities. Fortunately, these reports turned out to be untrue.

"I want to reassure all constituents that Greater Manchester Police have the full backing of the government to take the strongest possible action against anyone involved in criminal disorder, dangerous extremism, and racist or Islamophobic attacks.

"Our towns have a long and proud history of standing up for what is right. In the past few days, we've seen our communities, clubs and organisations come together, united in rejecting violence and disorder. 

"I am incredibly proud to be a part of such a strong and resilient community.

"If anyone has concerns about their community's safety, I encourage you to contact Greater Manchester Police directly. Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our towns safe and peaceful."

Derek Beaumont called for calm while celebrating the inclusiveness of rugby league (Image: Nigel French)

Chairman of Leigh Leopards, Derek Beaumont also shared a message on the need to stay calm, while highlighting the inclusive and diverse nature of rugby league.

In a video published on social media, Mr Beaumont said: “Rugby league is a very inclusive and diverse sport, and we hold dear to our hearts how inclusive and diverse we are as a town and as a club.

”This is evidenced each time we play a game of rugby with the different races, different cultures, different believes and different religions, but we all work together collectively and in harmony and with peace.

”This is something we are very proud of as it creates a very safe environment for people to enjoy themselves and express themselves with passion.”

Referencing the disorder in other areas of the country, the chairman continued: "Any anti-social behaviour that is identified by people that are clearly fans of the club will not be tolerated, and it will be within my remit to prevent access to the stadium from anybody found to be doing so.

"I have to make sure that anybody that comes here knows that they are safe and there are no issues that present to them that may jeopardise that safety.

"I would really urge and ask everybody in our town to please be calm and not get involved in things that might be spiked by other people, or because it seems to be happening in other places.

"Leigh is a great community and I'm proud to be a part of that.

“I'm proud to be in a position to be a part of the Towns Board and have a great relationship with our council, which is also diverse and inclusive, as we try and get our town centre to look and be a better place.

"I would be absolutely delighted if our townsfolk could adhere to this and not engage in anything that is going to be detrimental to the people of Leigh and how the town looks.

"Please abide by this and lets live in peace and harmony, and show that Leigh is a safe environment to be."

The Southport stabbings led to violent unrest across the country (Image: PA)

Following the Southport attacks, which led to the violent outbreaks across the country, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, from Banks in Lancashire, has been charged with three counts of murder, 10 attempted murders, and possession of a curved kitchen knife.

The 17-year-old, who was born to Rwandan parents in Cardiff and moved to the Southport area in 2013, has no known links to Islam.

Keir Starmer has said that those who have been involved in violent protests will feel the "full force of the law".