Pubgoers embraced demonstrators as they staged a peaceful march through Accrington town centre.
A video shared on social media showed members of the Gausia Rizvia Jamia Masjid & Islamic Centre marching down Blackburn Road.
A woman stood outside The Stanley pub can be seen to embrace some of the men as they walk past while another man is seen shaking their hands and saying ‘respect.’
The march came amid rumours of far-right protests taking place in the town this evening, though no such protests were seen.
Pubgoers embrace Muslims defending their community in Accrington. This is the way forward. Unity. The racist thugs are in the minority. pic.twitter.com/uzg9XcOOIV
— Taj Ali (@Taj_Ali1) August 7, 2024
The rumours spread on social media yesterday (August 6) about an immigration law firm in the town being ‘targeted’ by far-right protesters.
However, no such protests appeared to take place.
The march by the mosque members started outside the town hall and went along Blackburn Road, up Eagle Street and along Ormerod Street before coming to a stop outside the mosque on Higher Antley Street.
People then gathered outside the mosque ahead of a speech by one of the mosque leaders.
They said: “We have made a very peaceful protest right the way through town. We showed our solidarity, we showed our unity.
“A massive well done to every single member who's shown up, who's shown that we stand together in solidarity, and we speak in one voice, and we come in peace.
“Whilst our march has ended, the police in our community are here after we’ve gone to continue to protect our Masjid, our graveyards, our sacred places, and our families.”
Prior to the rumoured protests, Hyndburn’s Labour MP Sarah Smith released a statement saying violence and criminal disorder on the streets “will not be tolerated.”
She said: “We have far more in common than that which divides us. Our community is strong and united, and this minority does not speak for us.
“I know Hyndburn and Haslingden has a history of peacefully living together, we buck the trend and overcome differences by talking and sharing.
“We are shocked by what is occurring elsewhere and will not be drawn into wanton destruction and hate.”
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