Ealing Council has expressed 'sadness' and 'deepest condolences' to the families and communities affected by the 'horrendous' attack in Southport last week and calls for unity as public disorder spreads across the country.

In a statement issued on Monday, 5 August, Ealing Council Leader Peter Mason paid his respects to the families affected by the Southport attack on 29 July and called the violence in other towns 'deplorable.'

Cllr Mason commented: "Our thoughts are with those who were so senselessly attacked last week, and their families and friends, as well as the people of Southport for whom this crime has caused so much grief and concern.

"The violence in other towns and cities since last Monday is deplorable. These are opportunistic acts of theft and violence.

"Ealing is a diverse and united community. We have no time or tolerance for those that try to divide us. 

"We are home to hundreds of communities from across the UK and the globe, who have chosen to make this part of west London their home.

"Many of the communities that make our borough what it is have fled war and dispossession from around the world, sharing desperate stories of migration, refuge and asylum. 

"We cherish and nurture the cultures and identities that make our seven towns so special, and we will continue to protect it from those that seek to cause upset, distress and unrest. 

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"Hatred and violence of the kind seen in recent public disorder directed toward anyone is wrong, and in particular toward communities that are feeling isolated, anxious and victimised. It will be met with the full force of the British justice system.

"Over the last few days, Ealing Council has been in contact with faith and community leadership, offering practical support and assistance. We continue to work with our places of worship and community venues to ensure they are safe and secure.

"Our safer communities teams are in close liaison with the Metropolitan Police to monitor and assess any situation that threatens to disturb the borough's peace and calmness. 

"The work of our Ealing Faiths Forum continues, and we work to ensure all parts of our borough are engaged in active dialogue and understanding to continue to build our collective home together. 

"Whether hate crime, anti-social behaviour, threats of physical violence, intimidation, or lawlessness – if you are witness to a crime, or become aware that a crime may take place, it is our collective duty to report it to the police."

This statement comes as social media posts circulate online of planned protests tonight in Brentford.

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