Following the incident in Sri Lanka, the city’s One Voice Partnership strongly condemns this act of violence on innocent people.
The targeting of churches during Easter Sunday services and hotels in Sri Lanka has deeply shocked and saddened us all. We send our deepest sympathies to the families of those who have lost their loved ones, those who have been injured, and all affected communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
We do not tolerate violence against innocent people, wherever it takes place. Together we speak with one voice against extremist perspectives and terrorist actions in the city and elsewhere.
Vigils for victims of terrorist incidents
One Voice Partners are organising vigils in the city to pay respect to the loss of over 300 lives and 500 people injured. These are the moments when we stand side-by-side in solidarity, love and understanding.
It is also an opportunity to remember all those killed or injured elsewhere in the world in similar violence.
A Prayer Vigil at Hove Methodist Church, Portland Road, Hove is being held between 6pm and 7pm on Wednesday 24 April 2019.
The city’s Interfaith Contact Group invites all communities to join a prayer vigil, to pay our respects to those who died and also those that have suffered both directly and indirectly as a result of this atrocity.
Everyone is invited and welcome to join the vigils.
Reporting suspicious behaviour or activity
Co-operation between the public and the police is the greatest asset in tackling the challenge the UK faces from terrorism. Sussex Police and Brighton & Hove City Council are asking all residents and communities to remain aware and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity immediately by calling the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 or call 999 in an emergency.
You can also make a report on the Sussex Police website
Find out more on the GOV.UK Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign website
Reporting hate incidents
One Voice members urge everyone to be aware and are encouraging residents and communities to report any racist, religiously motivated or other hate incidents within our communities.
Places of worship can also use the Counter Terrorism Police’s online training package ‘ACT Awareness eLearning’ for advice on Protective Security and how to react should the worst happen.
Please report hate incidents on the Safe in the City website
You can also get information on the Safe in the City website about preventing terrorism and extremism.