Residents are invited to join the staff and students at Hope University as Hope’s Distinguished Lecture series returns
The Southport killings and riot: views from the frontline
Wednesday 29 January 2025 – 2.15pm
Venue: I3B Lecture Theatre 3
The deaths of three young girls – Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar – at a Taylor Swift themed yoga and dance class on July 29 2024 was a shocking event that produced news headlines around the world and across social media.
After a vigil in memory of the young girls the following day, the first of a series of riots that broke out in towns and cities across the country took place.
Police officers were injured in the course of duty, and scores of people were convicted for rioting and inciting hate online. How and why did this happen? You are invited to hear three views from the frontline – the perspectives of faith leaders and a journalist, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Ibrahim Hussein is the Iman of Southport Mosque and was trapped in the building for the duration of the riot; Peter Spiers is the Archdeacon of Knowsley and Sefton which has experienced riots and has played an active role in inter-faith activity; and, Victoria Glover is a radio journalist for Bauer Media who covered these events in the summer and has reflected on them as the town recovers.
The event is open to all staff and students who are interested in contemporary British society and how we lead our lives.
Booking is required. You can book your ticket here.