GLASGOW'S Islamic community have said they are grateful for "messages of support and solidarity" they have received following far-right riots in England.
Glasgow Central Mosque (GCM) has released a community reassurance statement following speculation online that a far-right hate march was set to take place on George Square on Wednesday, August 7.
We previously reported Police Scotland said there was "no intelligence" to suggest any such protest would take and urged the public to exercise caution about what they read on social media.
READ NEXT: Glasgow cops issue statement on George Square protest
GCM the community was "deeply saddened" to hear of the tragic murders of Bebe King (six), Elsie Dot Stancombe (seven) and Alice Dasilva Aguiar (nine) who were killed on Monday, July 29 in Southport while attending a Taylor Swift themed dance class.
They also said they were "shocked to witness the riots that ensued, and terror, Islamophobia and racism spread to other parts of England".
A 17-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the deaths and disorder broke out across England after misinformation spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker.
GCM said they have been engaging closely with Police Scotland and have been "grateful for their ongoing support" and reiterated their message that people should be cautious about what they read online and not share "unverified information or unsubstantiated rumours".
READ NEXT: Protest to take place on George Square to 'push back the fascists'
The community reassurance statement continued: "GCM is proud to be at the heart of Glasgow's diverse communities.
"Over the years, we have worked tirelessly to help people of all faiths and none and we are here to anyone who needs support.
"We are grateful to have received messages of support and solidarity from across civil society, faith groups and ordinary Glaswegians.
"Look out for one another, check in on your neighbours and the vulnerable, and let's reject the peddlers of hate who wish to divide our society."
GCM - UK Riots: Community Reassurance Statement
— Glasgow Central Mosque (@GlasgowMosque) August 7, 2024
We are grateful to @PoliceScotland for their ongoing support. GCM is at the heart of Glasgow’s diverse communities & together, we have always rejected hate. We urge the public to be vigilant but not alarmed. pic.twitter.com/oaEohd4qRY
The Madrasa Taleem ul Islam, a mosque located in Pollokshields, also said they were "touched and grateful for the warm words of solidarity from our neighbours" following "shocking" scenes in England.
A post shared on Facebook read: "Pollokshields is one of the most diverse areas in Scotland.
"Here at Madrasa, we love opening our doors to the wider community, and supporting the wider community when we can.
"Our diversity and unity is our greatest strength, and renowned across the country.
"We stood united against the far right before.
"We stood united against the SDL [Scottish Defence League].
"We stood united at Kenmure Street.
"We stand united every year to oppose anti-social behaviour during fireworks season.
"So keep looking out for one another, be vigilant but not alarmed, and call the Police if you feel threatened or see anything suspicious.
"This is Pollokshields. We reject the hate peddlers and will stand united to oppose anyone who tries to divide us, or target our communities."
"Salaam / Peace."
Anyone who feels threatened or sees anything suspicious is urged to report it to police via 999 in an emergency or 101 for a non-emergency.
The Glasgow Times previously reported a protest is set to take place in Glasgow this weekend to "push back the fascists".
Stand Up To Racism has organised a national day of protest called Stop The Far Right which is set to take place on George Square on Saturday, August 10 at 11am.
In a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, the campaign group wrote: "This Saturday, we’re calling for mass anti racist resistance in every town and city to push back the fascists."
A number of similar protests have been planned for towns and cities across the UK on Saturday, including in Dundee and Edinburgh.
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