Witnesses in the area reported that several men were asked to leave a vigil in Southport after being spotted with a St George’s Cross flag and a crate of cider. The vigil was being held to remember the victims of the recent attacks in the area.
After the violent protests that occurred the night before, where right-wing rioters caused chaos and destruction, local residents came together to clean up the aftermath. Norman Wallis, the chief executive of Southport Pleasureland, described the scene as a war zone, with people from out of town instigating the violence.
In response to a social media plea, volunteers gathered with brushes and shovels to help clean up the mess left behind by the rioters. Mr. Wallis emphasized that the people causing trouble were not from Southport, but rather individuals who had come in buses and cars with a change of clothes to incite chaos.
The vigil, scheduled to start at 6 pm, was attended by dozens of people who left balloons and flowers in honor of the victims. Despite the disruptive presence of the men with the flag and cider, the community came together to pay their respects and show solidarity in the face of adversity.
In light of the recent events, Humza Yousaf, a prominent figure, called for the EDL to be classified as a terrorist organization, citing their role in inciting violence and unrest in Southport. Yousaf’s statement reflects the growing concern over the influence of extremist groups and the need for decisive action to prevent further incidents of this nature.
The resilience and unity displayed by the residents of Southport in the face of such turmoil serve as a testament to the strength of community spirit. Despite the challenges posed by external agitators, the local population remains committed to standing together and supporting one another in times of crisis. As the cleanup efforts continue and the vigil proceeds as planned, the message of peace and solidarity shines through, offering hope for a brighter future for Southport and its residents.