The community of Oxford has sent a defiant message that violence will not be tolerated amid outbreaks of protests across the UK.

Violence has been witnessed in various towns and cities across the country as a reaction to the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport.

A protest was held by Oxford Stand Up To Racism in Cornmarket Street on Monday in response to these violent scenes with another demonstration planned for Wednesday evening.

Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon Layla Moran gave her full support to the local police amid the protests and potential counter protests.

READ MORE: Oxford to host further Southport protests this week

Protests have been held in Oxford this week.Protests have been held in Oxford this week. (Image: Newsquest)

“My first thoughts are with those three little girls who lost their lives in such horrific circumstances, and their families and community in Southport who are still grieving,” she said.

“The horrific scenes of violence that have erupted allegedly in their name are no way to honour their memory and have largely been based on mis and dis-information.

“The Liberal Democrats stand full square behind our police forces who are putting their lives on the line to protect us.

“I have been pleased to see the Prime Minister acting to give them extra powers and resources to stamp out this violence.

“In Oxfordshire, Thames Valley Police is working hard to keep us all safe, and they have my full support.

“I am extremely proud to represent such a welcoming, diverse, and tolerant community.

READ MORE: ‘Right-wing are having POGROMS’ say protesters in city centre

Layla Moran has given her full support to Thames Valley Police.Layla Moran has given her full support to Thames Valley Police. (Image: UK Parliament/Maria Unger/PA Wire)

“Local residents have welcomed refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, among other places, and they have become an important part of our community.

“There is no place for hatred, racism, or islamophobia in Oxfordshire and I have no doubt that any who try to incite violence will feel the full force of the law.”

Fellow MP Anneliese Dodds who represents Oxford East for Labour echoed these sentiments with a joint statement alongside the leader of Oxford City Council Susan Brown and city council cabinet member for a safer Oxford Lubna Arshad.

“We send our deepest sympathies to the families and everyone else affected by the terrible incident in Southport,” they said.

“We have been shocked and saddened to see the exploitation of this appalling crime by people seeking to sow discord and divide our communities.

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Anneliese Dodds has also spoken out about the violence.Anneliese Dodds has also spoken out about the violence. (Image: PA)

“Much of this violence and intimidation has been targeted at individuals and groups of people solely on the basis of the colour of their skin, where they are from, or their religion.

“There is no place for racism, Islamophobia or any other kind of prejudiced behaviour in our city or anywhere else in this country.

“We are proud of our city's diversity and its community spirit. Oxford has always been a welcoming city and we will continue to work hard to ensure that all of our residents feel safe here.

“We are working closely with Thames Valley Police and faith leaders from all faiths.

“In that vein, please can we urge local people to ensure that if they see any incidents they ensure they report them to the police so that they can be swiftly dealt with.”

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The hatred and incitement of violence has also been condemned by Imam Monawar Hussein and Bishop Steven Croft on behalf of the Oxfordshire Faith, Civic and Community Leaders Group.

A joint statement said: “As faith and community leaders across Oxfordshire, we share the grief of the people of Southport following the tragic loss of life on Monday.

“We are committed together to building a strong, coherent and supportive community across our diverse city and county.

“We deplore the attempts by some extremist groups to spread disinformation and to stir up hatred and violence against particular groups.

“We are grateful for the ongoing work of Thames Valley Police in ensuring the safety of all.

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The protest was held in Oxford city centre on Monday.The protest was held in Oxford city centre on Monday. (Image: Newsquest)

“We encourage everyone in our community to verify reports on social media before circulating them further and to continue to demonstrate compassion, peace building and mutual respect, especially in this season.”

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