A statement from Offa about the far-right riots

We have been appalled to witness the far-right, racist and Islamophobic violence against our communities in recent days.

However, we have also been touched to see an outpouring of support from the vast majority of decent and law-abiding British people who abhor racism and fascism, which of course has no place in our society.

Now is the time for hope, not hate. Time for us all to stand strong in our communities, to come together as a nation and find constructive solutions to our issues without succumbing to division.

We are proud to be British Muslims, and our rich history within the UK goes back centuries. We believe in the British values of fair play, democracy, respect, tolerance and the rule of law. Indeed, we employ people of all races and religions at Offa.

Whatever your skin colour, whatever your religion, now is the time to make a stand, to set an example for these misguided rioters by uniting under our shared values of peace, love and respect.