BASINGSTOKE’S MP Luke Murphy said he has reached out to vulnerable communities in the town regarding concerns over disorder which has swept the country.

Speaking to the Gazette regarding unrest in various towns and cities which began after three young girls were killed in Southport, Mr Murphy urged people to condemn the violence that has followed.

The riots began after false claims on social media were made suggesting someone who had arrived in the UK illegally was to blame for the Southport killings.

Mr Murphy labelled the disorder as “criminal violence” and “far right thuggery”, adding: “None of it is done in protest. They have attacked the police and people because of the colour of their skin. Everyone needs to face justice.”

He said: “We need to be prepared if anything were to happen to ensure people feel safe.”

The MP met with the police chief inspector and council leader to discuss the issue and said he will “continue to reach out to faith leaders”.

“No one wants to see that in Basingstoke,” he said, adding: “There is a concern from people in every community from Muslim communities to those from ethnic minority backgrounds, people feel vulnerable even if the area they live hasn’t been targeted.”

Mr Murphy also said Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner Donna Jones should “reflect on her comments” after she came under fire for saying protest groups are motivated by the need to “uphold British values”.

Ms Jones said “arresting people” is “treating the symptom and not the cause” in the wake of protests which have descended into riots across the country.

Mr Murphy said: “She has a responsibility to condemn what’s going on.”

He added: “It should be condemned and it is violent far right thuggery and it is criminal.

“There is no excuse for these actions and behaviour or suggesting that arrests isn’t treating the symptoms. Arresting people for arson and attacking people for the colour of their skin.”