The Board of Deputies unreservedly condemns the attack on the Southport Mosque, the targeting of its Muslim worshippers, and the harming of police officers. There can be absolutely no place for this kind of violence or agitation aimed at inciting communal tension.

The horrific mass-stabbing attack which took place in the town earlier this week has been used as a pretext by the far-right to attack Muslims, apparently as the result of false claims spread via social media regarding the assailant. It is vital that our Government considers, as part of its response to this rioting, how more can be done to stop the spread of online disinformation.