Leaders and political groups in Sussex have come together to say "rioters are not welcome" and condemn the violence that has broken out across the country after fatal stabbings in Southport last week.
Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey offered support and solidarity to all communities in the city and said it was "sickening and shocking" to see the violence unfolding in other parts of the UK in recent days.
Her statement comes amid rumours of planned protests across Sussex, the details of which The Argus has chosen not to publicise.
Last night, Hastings Labour MP Helena Dollimore condemned the violence and said in a statement: "If you are thinking of coming here to cause division and disorder, you are not welcome."
Cllr Sankey said: "Following the horrific scenes of racist violence that have taken place across England over the past few days I want to express the council’s full support and solidarity with all our communities in the city.
"It is sickening and shocking to see violent extremists, whipped up by online agitators and misinformation, take to the streets and target Muslims, black people, asylum seekers and people of colour.
"This violent racism has no place on the streets of Britain or our democracy and we must see order restored and perpetrators brought swiftly to justice.
"To our black, Muslim and minority ethnic residents, I know that the scenes of violence may be highly triggering and that people will have concerns about safety.
"I want to reassure you that we are working with the police and other partners to understand the local situation and keep our communities safe.
"Brighton and Hove is proudly a beacon city that celebrates its diversity and pluralism. In this city of sanctuary we act with compassion and kindness towards others and we utterly reject division and hatred. We will work every day to ensure that our city and all our communities feel safe, respected and free."
Chairwoman of Lewes District Council Councillor Lesley Boniface said she knew many residents will have been affected by the tragic events in Southport recently.
"It's extremely concerning that this could have been any community in the UK," said Cllr Boniface.
"All at Lewes District Council and residents throughout the district are shocked and upset by the attack and we send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families, friends, schools and the wider Southport community.
READ MORE: Hundreds attend peaceful Southport vigil for girls killed in stabbing
"Our thoughts are also with the emergency services who responded so bravely and professionally to these tragic events.
"We strongly condemn the actions of rioters.
"Communities need to stand together at times such as these and we do so now, throughout Lewes District and beyond to Southport."
The Labour group in Worthing issued a statement saying it was shocked and appalled by the violence in the wake of the tragic events in Southport.
"Racism, lawlessness and any form of hatred directed to the diversity of our communities have no place in a civilised society and we are united in our condemnation of those who threaten the cohesion and inclusiveness on which our country’s values are built.
"We extend our unshakeable support to all our communities.
"If you experience or witness any behaviour that is threatening, abusive or targeting minority groups, please contact Sussex Police by calling 101 or reporting online. Similarly, social media content inciting hatred or violence should be reported immediately to the platform provider and the police."
"It is vital that we all come together to keep hatred and extremism out of our community."
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