“Shame on those who perpetuate the myths” — Echo editor’s anger as tragedy used to fuel hatred in Liverpool
The editor of the Liverpool Echo has spoken of the pride she feels for her team’s determination to serve the local community after a week which began with unspeakable tragedy in Southport ended with mob violence on the streets of Liverpool.
Writing in her weekly newsletter to readers, Maria Breslin say no-one should be under any illusion that the violent scenes which have played out across the UK were in any way linked to the deaths of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport on Monday.
On Saturday, reporters from the Echo covered protest in the city centre, before later reporting from violent scenes in the County Road district of the city as shops were looted and community facilities wrecked in one of the city’s most deprived areas.
Maria said: “What happened on Monday was devastating. Regrettably, it’s impossible not to also talk about the rioting which has marred streets across the country this week.
“This is not related to the tragic deaths of those little girls in any way whatsoever. And I was heartbroken to see one of their mums feel the need to plead for an end to the violence on the streets of Southport just over 24 hours after she had lost her daughter.
“Somehow, inexplicably, what happened in Southport has been hijacked by those with an agenda and misinformation has been deliberately and dangerously spread. And the result is police officers across the country injured and hospitalised, local shops looted, cars and streets torched and mosques attacked.
“The scenes on County Road last night were just sickening and it’s distressing and impossible to comprehend some of the people perpetrating this violence are members of our communities. I just do not understand.
“Shame on those who perpetuate the myths and allow misplaced hate to flourish in our society. And shame on those who think setting fire to a library is a good way to spend a Saturday night. This is not the Merseyside we recognise and we must work hard to overcome those who seek to destabilise our communities.”
Maria also revealed the toll covering events this week had taken on her team.
She said: “I am incredibly proud of the professionalism shown by the Liverpool Echo team reporting on this most harrowing of events. Of course it is not about us.
“We chose to be journalists and we get paid to do our job. But a member of our reporting team was attacked on Tuesday in Southport, equipment stolen, glasses broken and cuts and bruises sustained after being kicked while on the floor.
“Other colleagues were spat on and had to take shelter with local residents. Reporters have received threats on social media and in the office we’ve answered so many abusive and frankly racist calls. My inbox is a disgrace. Once again words fail me.”
Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar died after being stabbed at the Hart Space centre off Hart Street, where they were attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance session in their school holidays.
Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, is charged with three counts of murder, and also charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after eight other children and two adults were seriously injured in the attack on Monday. The teenager lived in Banks, a village in Lancashire, having been born in Cardiff.
Earlier in the week, the Echo sought to quell disinformation about the suspect by explaining why journalists couldn’t then name him. A court hearing led to reporting restrictions being lifted.
A powerful leader column has been published by the Echo today condemning Saturday’s events.
