A WOMAN was spotted holding up a “hope not hate” sign amid a violent protest in Southport on Tuesday evening.
Almost 40 police officers were injured during a riot following a vigil for three girls killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.
Merseyside Police said a “large group of people,” who were believed to be supporters of the English Defence League, started to throw items such as bricks towards a mosque in the seaside town around 7.45pm.
Amidst the chaos, this woman held up a sign saying: 'Hope not hate. Racism not welcome here'. pic.twitter.com/1Z7GihnoL7
— The Post (@liverpoolpost) July 30, 2024
Footage shared by Liverpool-based newspaper The Post, showed one woman holding up a sign in the middle of the protest which said: “One race – human. Hope, not hate. Racism not welcome here.”
A separate post added: “As she held it up, she was surrounded by men involved in the riot. Some of them had been pelting the mosque with bricks.
“She’s now walked off and didn’t want to be interviewed.”
The woman has been praised on social media, with one social media user describing her as a "hero" while a second said she was "brave and courageous".
A third said it was a "powerful gesture" while many others described what she had done as "incredibly brave".
The troubling scenes saw 27 officers taken to hospital, with 12 others being treated and discharged at the scene, North West Ambulance Service said.
Eight officers suffered serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said the officers injured in Tuesday’s protests will “now be unavailable for duty in what is an incredibly busy time for the force”.
Meanwhile, Keir Starmer has said rioters “hijacked” a vigil for victims and will “feel the full force of the law”.
He said: “The people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday (Monday).
“They deserve our support and our respect. Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper describe the rioting as “violent attacks from thugs on the streets,” which she branded “appalling”.
She added: “Frankly, this is a time when everyone should be showing respect for a community and for the police.”
