Hundreds turned out to a third anti-racism protest held in Oxford this week after violent disorder erupted elsewhere in the UK.

The civil unrest came after the killing of three young girls in Southport, after which disinformation was spread about the suspect on social media.

The campaign group Stand Up To Racism organised counter-protests in Bonn Square outside the Westgate Centre this morning (Saturday, August 10), the third rally in the city in six days.

READ MORE: Urgent care clinic moves out of city amid riot concerns at nearby mosque

Demonstrators carried placards and banners displaying slogans such as “No to racism” and “Refugees welcome: Stop the far right”.

Speaking to the crowds, Oxford city councillor Alex Powell said: “We are all better when we are united and stand up for one another so thank you for being here."

“This is not a moment for complacency,” he added.

“I know many people in this city and this country still feel afraid to leave their house and walk the streets because of the colour of their skin and who they are.

“That is wrong and we need to keep standing together.”

It follows a protest held at Magdalen Road on Wednesday (August 7) with around 600 people turning out amid fears of a mosque and refugee centre on the road being targeted.

A couple of hundred people attended an initial rally by Carfax Tower in the city centre on Monday (August 5).

The trio of protests comes as riots and violent scenes have broken out in various UK towns and cities with an anti-immigration sentiment at the forefront following the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport.

A statement from Oxford Stand Up To Racism said: “Hundreds out in Oxford today. Our message to the far right is clear ‘there are many many more of us than you.’”

Prior to the protest, Thames Valley Police had said that had a “plan in place” for any potential issues and they would “swiftly respond” to anyone looking to disturb the peace.

Following the conclusion of the protest, a statement from the force said: “Thank you to those who engaged with our officers on scene and for your patience and cooperation throughout.”

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The protests this week have seen an urgent care clinic in Oxford temporarily moved out of the city amid concerns over rioters targeting a nearby mosque.

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.

Since then the urgent care clinic usually available at East Oxford Health Centre has been moved to the Abingdon Community Hospital over the weekend as a "precaution”.

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About the author

Rob is a digital reporter who covers a wide range of topics.

He joined the Oxford Mail in February 2023 having previously been at sister paper The Bucks Free Press for two years. 

Rob completed a Sports Journalism degree before earning his NCTJ Diploma at Darlington College and can be found on X at @RobertFolker.