A Sussex hospital trust said it will not tolerate any form of abuse amid planned protests in the city.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has condemned the "horrifying actions" in various towns and cities across the UK since the fatal Southport stabbings, calling them "simply not acceptable".

The trust has now urged people to support each other during this period of unrest, which some fear may hit the city.

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A spokesman for the hospital trust said: "As a system in Sussex, we stand together against any form of racism, discrimination, Islamophobia and abuse.

"Everyone should be able to go about their daily business, to be able to receive help and care, and not feel threatened in any way.

"Please support each other during this time.

"Many of our staff are also feeling anxious and it is important to be clear, we will not tolerate any form of abuse, discrimination or racism in any of our organisations."

The hospital trust said that it firmly stands by an Anti Racism Statement issued by health and care partners in 2022.

This statement declared that Sussex has no place for racism.

It read: "There is no place for racism in Sussex.

"We recognise the impact that racist behaviours have on our workforce is devastating.

"We want people to feel safe and to thrive. It is our responsibility to create safe, inclusive and supportive working environments and stamp out racism when we see it.

"We stand firmly together with our partners in being committed to tackling institutional and interpersonal racism in all its forms.

"We commit to listening, monitoring and continually evaluating our practice because we recognise that good anti-racist practice for our workforce, leads to better care for our patients and our population."