Among the many stark images emerging from the recent wave of unrest across England were photos of Muslims embracing protesters outside one of the country's first mosques. Disorder flared when a large mob gathered outside the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque in Liverpool - as misinformation following the Southport attacks has been blamed for stoking a surge of Islamophobia. A counter-demonstration drew a few hundred more and, once things had calmed, mosque volunteer Adam Kelwick and other worshippers crossed over with the assistance of police in an attempt to speak to those present.
The mosque’s chairman Dr Abdul Hamid, a family doctor, believes there is a “fear of the unknown", adding: "If they don’t get answers, they will try to find any excuse to label you." Scratching below the surface of what was going on, Mr Kelwick said he found people not be motivated by anything in particular - rather just lashing out in a state of general frustration. He said: “None of the people who I spoke to mentioned Southport.
“I don’t think they knew what they were protesting about - I think they’re just angry, fed up.” In fact, he said there were “beautiful interactions” as the group from the mosque were able to "break bread" and listen to some people's concerns in “deep conversations”. Resulting images showing the sharing of food, hugs and handshakes were among the more positive posts being shared widely on social media.
“Some of the most vocal protesters, after everyone els.