COMMUNITY leaders of Hastings have urged residents not to take counter action against rioters and to allow police to do their jobs.
Sussex Police deployed more resources across several areas of the county as they brace for planned protests in Queens Road, Brighton and Cambridge Gardens in Hastings this evening (August 7) and in Crawley on Friday (August 9).
Sussex Police say they are “fully mobilised” and are “prepared to stop anyone who threatens the unity of our communities”.
Businesses in targeted towns have boarded their shops or closed early, ahead of the protests.
There are reports of 100 planned rallies tonight across the country. So far, more than 400 people have been arrested and 140 have been charged.
MP for Hastings and Rye Helena Dollimore, leader of Hastings Borough Council Councillor Julia Hilton, Imam Yusuf, Father David Hill and Hastings United Football Club have asked residents to stay safe and to just “go about their business”.
They issued a joint statement, which reads: “We know that many across the community are concerned about reports of planned far-right action this evening (Wednesday, August 7).
“We have given our local Sussex Police team our full backing in taking the strongest possible action to keep our community safe. Be in no doubt, anybody who engages in criminal activity and violence disorder will face the full force of the law.
“As community leaders, we are coming together to urge everyone in Hastings to just let police do their job today, and not get drawn into any counter-action that may make the work of our police harder.
“The best way to show that those seeking to divide us will not succeed is to simply go about our business as usual.
“This week we have seen many wonderful events as part of Old Town Carnival week. These charity events will continue as planned this evening and show the best of our community. This is the true spirit of Hastings, not the scenes of violent, racist thuggery we have seen elsewhere in the country.
“To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin or your faith, please know that this violent mob do not represent our country or British values. Hate, racism and thuggery have no place in our town.”
Other Sussex leaders, including Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde, called for peace and unity at a time when the country is troubled by public disorder, fear and division.
Councillor Ivan Lyons, who represents Westdene and Hove Park in Brighton, strongly condemned rioters saying their actions “are a stain on our national moral conscience”. He also suggested residents to avoid Brighton town centre this evening.
Sussex Police asks residents to speak local officers for reassurance and report any concerns to the police via online, through 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency and quoting Operation Skylark.
