Statement from community leaders

We know that many across the community are concerned about reports of planned far-right action this evening (Wednesday 7 August). We have given our local Sussex Police team our full backing in taking the strongest possible action to keep our community safe. Be in no doubt, anybody who engages in criminal activity and violence disorder will face the full force of the law.

As community leaders, we are coming together to urge everyone in Hastings to let the police do their job today, and not get drawn into any counter-action that may make the work of our police harder. The best way to show that those seeking to divide us will not succeed is to simply go about our business as usual.

This week we have seen many wonderful events as part of Old Town Carnival week. These charity events will continue as planned this evening and show the best of our community. This is the true spirit of Hastings, not the scenes of violent, racist thuggery we have seen elsewhere in the country.

To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin or your faith, please know that this violent mob do not represent our country or British values. Hate, racism and thuggery have no place in our town.

Helena Dollimore MP, Member of Parliament for Hastings and Rye,

Cllr Julia Hilton, Leader of Hastings Borough Council,

Imam Yusuf,

Father David Hill,

Hastings United Football Club.