King consoles imam over rioters’ ‘terrifying’ attack on Southport mosque

His Majesty speaks with Ibrahim Hussein after private meeting with survivors of stabbing at Taylor Swift-themed dance class

The King has told the imam of a mosque targeted by far-Right rioters the day after the Southport killings that the experience must have been “terrifying”.
The monarch met Ibrahim Hussein alongside emergency responders and community leaders who helped restore calm in the wake of the violence that followed the deaths of three young girls at a dance class.
He received a rapturous welcome on Tuesday in the Merseyside town after interrupting his summer break to show his support and thank those who had dedicated their time to helping those affected.
He was greeted with loud cheers as he viewed floral tributes to the victims before holding a private meeting with children who survived the attack and their families.
Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were stabbed to death and 10 other children were left seriously injured at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space Community Centre on July 29.
The King is to meet the families of the girls who died in London on Wednesday.
After spending time with some of the survivors, Charles went on to meet emergency services personnel, faith leaders and some of those who have opened their doors to emergency responders in the aftermath.
Mr Hussein said of his conversation with the King: “He was referring to the community and how terrifying it must have been for us. How scary and terrifying it must have been for us and our mosque and our community.
“For His Majesty to take time from his heavy schedule and visit a small town such as this means a lot to us.”
The imam said of the riots: “They wanted to kill us. We were terrified obviously because the whole building was shaking. Firebombs were thrown. It was awful, the slogans and the shouting and the chanting.”
The King also met Diane, 50, and her husband Dan, 48, whose home backs on to the community centre where the fatal attack took place, and whose 12-year-old daughter witnessed it from her bedroom.
The couple comforted the families of the victims and have continued to allow police to use their facilities as investigations continue.
Diane said: “The King said he was shocked, really shocked at what happened, and said it was kind of us to open our house. We said it was the right thing to do.”
Earlier, the monarch appeared impressed by the sea of flowers, toys and balloons that comprise a makeshift memorial dedicated to the three young victims, gesturing in appreciation at the scale of it.
One member of the public gave him three cheers and another shouted “Thank you for coming”.
The King affectionately patted one young girl on the shoulder as he shook hands with many of the hundreds gathered to see him. “Look at all the flowers,” he said.
Linsey Hislop, 43, asked after his health and how he was feeling following his cancer treatment. “I’m not too bad,” the King replied.
Mrs Hislop, a foster carer, said: “My son is a police officer who was working during the riots so it’s really good of the King to come.”
Other members of the crowd appeared emotional and were in tears as the King stopped to speak to them.
The monarch spent around half an hour with the survivors and their families in the town hall before expressing his “deepest sympathy” in a book of condolence.
He was then introduced to a group of local volunteers and business owners who have dedicated time and resources to the community.
They included several people who have been maintaining the floral tributes, trimming, arranging and watering the flowers and collecting cuddly toys in the evenings and when it rains.
Helen Marshall, 71, a member of local gardening group Lord Street in Bloom, said of the visit: “I think it’s very important he is here. We’re under a cloud and we need something to boost morale.
“The last few weeks have been devastating but the community spirit is the thing keeping us going.”
The King spent some time greeting the many members of the crowd who had waited to meet him, many thanking him for taking the time to visit.
One boy, Max, eight, gave him a small red silk heart he had made himself, prompting the King to gently pat his head.
Charles was also given some pink hearts crocheted by a woman called June, who asked him to “give them to Kate and Charlotte”. “I will,” he promised.
The visit came after the King urged unity in the face of riots that swept the country following the attacks.
In calls made to both Sir Keir Starmer and police chiefs earlier this month, he expressed hope that “mutual respect and understanding” would unite the nation.
Axel Rudakubana, 18, has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder.
He will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Oct 25 for a pre-trial preparation hearing.