People go to Abingdon as Oxford GP closed due to riot fears

More than 600 people turned out at a rally in Oxford on Wednesday night (August 7) after fears the refugee centre in Magdalen Road was going to be targeted by far-right protestors.

Following the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport, riots and violent scenes have broken out in various UK towns and cities with an anti-immigration sentiment at the forefront.

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The East Oxford Health Centre in Manzil Way closed early at 4pm on Wednesday to “safeguard” patients and staff due to the threat of violence.

A protest was organised by the Oxford Stand Up To Racism group in response to the riots taking place across the country but there were fears this could lead to a backlash from disruptors. 

(Image: Newsquest) One patient told the Oxford Mail that when trying to book an out-of-hours appointment at the medical centre on Thursday night (August 8), he was told he would need to travel to Abingdon as the urgent care clinic was "closed due to high tensions of recent days”.

The patient, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Unfortunately I had to use the Oxfordshire out-of-hours GP service.

“Normally I would be sent to the service clinic in Manzil Way.

“But I was told I would need to travel to Abingdon as the clinic was closed due to the high tensions of recent days with this being next to the mosque.

“This wasn't so much of an issue for me being able to drive but if you rely on public transportation or taxis this could be very time-consuming and costly for residents of Oxford.”

It has since been confirmed the urgent care clinic usually available at East Oxford Health Centre will be moved to the Abingdon Community Hospital this weekend as a "precaution".

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A statement from the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust said: “All our services are operational and urgent care will continue to be available to all patients who need it this weekend. Patients with an urgent health need should call 111 as usual.

"The urgent care clinic usually available at East Oxford Health Centre is temporarily being provided at Abingdon Community Hospital this weekend as a precaution.

"Anyone with an appointment in any of our services should attend it as planned, but if they feel unsafe to travel or visit, they should ring the clinic or point of contact to make alternative arrangements.”

Prior to Wednesday's protest, the Central Oxford Mosque on Manzil Way took to social media to thank locals who have shown their support amid riots taking place at Islamic places of worship across the country.

A letter sent to the mosque from an anonymous neighbour was posted along with a caption saying “thank you to our lovely neighbour for the wonderful letter and flowers.”

Part of the letter to the mosque said: “I hope that in the days, weeks and months to come life will return to something better.

“You are my neighbours and I wish you all, tall the care and concern that you deserve. It is awful and appalling that you should be put under threat and suffer violence or fear.”

A spokesperson for NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berskshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) said: "BOB ICB condemns the racism and violence which has caused so much distress across the country.

"Our guidance to our GP practices and community pharmacies is that staff and patient safety should be paramount and appropriate steps should be taken if there is any risk to safety.

"This may include moving to another site, working remotely or signposting to alternative services.

"We continue to work closely with Thames Valley Police and the Thames Valley Resilience Forum to monitor the situation."