Southport MP: Town is in shock

Southport’s MP Patrick Hurley says that “the town is in shock” after yesterday’s tragic attack on Hart Street.

Two children have died as a result of the attack, while 2 adults and 6 children remain in critical condition.

Speaking to OTS News from Hart Street Patrick Hurley said: “The community is in shock. The community is experiencing a range of conflicting emotions, there’s shock, there’s grief. I think what we need to do this morning, the day after this event, is we need to give space to people in Southport to express their emotions. There’s a time for analysis and there’s a time for a formalised procedural response but what we need to do this morning is allow people the chance to express how they’re feeling.

“There are community groups across Southport that have opened their doors to offer local residents support. There will be a vigil later on this evening and I’d encourage everybody that wants to show their solidarity and their sympathy, to show their emotions, to come down to this event. I’d encourage anybody who might need it to avail themselves of that opportunity.

Patrick Hurley also cautioned members of the public to avoid speculation surrounding the incident.

Continuing, Patrick Hurley said: “Merseyside Police have got a job to do and I encourage people to let them do that job. If you’ve got information please get in touch with the police.

“What we strongly encourage people not to do is go on social media, don’t engage in disinformation and misinformation. Don’t even try to engage by rebuffing arguments that are being made online. We’re not going to win if we engage with people like that. Make sure that what you’re doing online and how you respond is respectful.

“The community is feeling really, really sore this morning.”