Worthing MPs visit mosque to show solidarity

Tom Rutland, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, and Beccy Cooper, MP fpr Worthing West, visited Worthing Masjid, a mosque in Ivy Arch Road, to “stand shoulder to shoulder with the local community”.

It comes after riots and protests across the country followed the fatal stabbing of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, in Southport.

Scenes from above in Queens Road (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Thousands of counter-protesters swarmed Queen's Road in Brighton last week amid fears of a far-right protest.

READ MORE: 18 pictures as Brighton avoids riots and thousands counter-protest

In a post on Facebook, Mr Rutland said: “I was glad to visit Worthing Masjid with Beccy Cooper for Worthing West and make clear there is no place for hate here.

“Like you, I have been appalled by the racist and Islamophobic rioting and disorder we have seen in recent days in towns and cities across the country.

“As the Prime Minister has made clear, those participating in or whipping up the far-right thuggery we have seen in the past week will face the full force of the law.

“It is repulsive to hijack the grief of the families of the three young girls who were killed in the horrific attack in Southport last week.”

Ms Cooper said: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the local community who are experiencing a time of great fear in light of the heightened islamophobia and racist attacks.

“We discussed their experiences and concerns. I offered my reassurance that I will be doing my utmost to keep people safe across Worthing West and bring together neighbourhoods in solidarity against this abhorrent violence.

“I am heartened by the messages of support and solidarity being expressed across our area. We reject the rhetoric of hate from those who seek to divide up.”