The leader of Oldham Council has spoken out over 'misinformation' following violent scenes across the country and called on the community to work together.

Cllr Arooj Shah has urged people to report anything that worries them directly to Greater Manchester Police.

In a video statement posted to Oldham Council's social media channels, she said: "The scenes we've seen over the last few days across the country are shocking and upsetting.

"We know that residents and communities are understandably concerned about the violence and hate that we've seen on display."

She added that Oldham Council have been working closely with Greater Manchester Police to monitor the situation and to work to reassure residents.

The violent disorder has been ongoing for several days after anti-immigrant riots erupted in response to a stabbing in Southport in which three girls were killed.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were fatally stabbed on July 29 at a dance class on Hart Street in Southport.

Eight other children suffered knife wounds – with five of them in critical condition – while two adults were also critically hurt.

False reports began to spread that the suspect was an immigrant male who arrived in the UK illegally by boat. 

However, Merseyside Police confirmed that they have arrested and charged 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with the incident.

He is a British citizen who was born in Cardiff and was living in Banks, Lancashire.

Cllr Shah went on to say: "We know there is a lot of misinformation being shared on Whatsapp groups and on social media which is causing additional fear and additional concern.

"While some of this is well intended, there are elements seeking to intentionally spread further worries and tensions in our communities and we need to work together to try and stop this happening."

She finished by advising people to report anything they see that concerns them, online or in person, to GMP so that they can 'investigate and take appropriate action'.

Cllr Shah's advice follows a day of worry yesterday (August 5) after rumours began to spread that Oldham could be next targeted by the violent disorder.

Businesses were reported to have been closing early, with Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind (TOG) charity confirming they were shutting there doors at 4pm, but did not indicate why. 

Another local business also said: "Nobody knows what’s happening. We’ve just brought our outside furniture in as a precaution and are being vigilant." 

However, Greater Manchester Police said that they did not warn any businesses to shut their doors and that the instance could be due to either personal choice or misinformation.

The Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Zahid Chauhan, also issued a statement after being contacted by community groups amid growing concerns.

He condemned the attacks and advised people not to travel to areas with 'high tensions' and to avoid the use of 'slogans which may fuel tensions further'.

He said: "Thuggery, violence attacking police, emergency workers and innocent people by ANY group on names of religion, nationalism, race etc can’t be justified and all should condemn them.

"You can’t protect British values or Britain by throwing bricks at each other.

"You don't need to reclaim streets [or] protect mosques by standing outside mosques.

"Check on your neighbours, especially in affected areas.

"Follow police advice and respect instructions given. They are leaving families at home and are giving up rest days to protect us and our communities.

"Personally, I am proud to belong to the NHS where people from 200 countries are supporting our communities irrespective of colour, gender or religion.

"I am proud to be in public life as an elected representative for years serving my communities in various positions alongside amazing colleagues from all backgrounds.

"Stay positive."

While there have been no confirmed attacks so far in Oldham, nearby Newton Heath, on Oldham Road which is one of the main routes to Failsworth, anti-immigrant protestors became violent.

Images show tactical aid unit officers pushing back the crowd (Image: Facebook)

Witnesses said the group of people at the protest began to throw "rocks and bottles" at the police officers.

A video online appears to show people shouting verbal abuse at asylum seekers entering the building, who were escorted onto the premises by police officers.

Greater Manchester police arrested two men aged 18 and 25  for violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker and remain in custody at this time for questioning.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 1369 of 31/07/2024.