In the wake of violent disorder over the weekend, more than £100,000 has been raised to help the Spellow Lane Library Hub in Liverpool, which suffered severe fire damage during the unrest.
Merseyside Police reported that approximately 300 people were involved in the chaos on County Road, Walton. The rampage included setting fire to community facilities, with the ground floor of the Spellow Lane Library Hub sustaining significant damage.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, rioters attempted to block them from accessing the blaze, throwing missiles and breaking the rear window of the fire engine cab.
Television presenter Carol Vorderman condemned the attacks on emergency services via social media, describing them as an “utter disgrace.
The Spellow Lane Library Hub, which also functions as a food bank, was inaugurated last year to support one of the country’s most deprived communities. Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson expressed heartbreak over the incident, stating, “This has been heartbreaking for our staff and residents who have worked so hard to make it such an important community asset.
He added that urgent assessments of the building are underway and services will be temporarily relocated to nearby facilities.
A GoFundMe page set up by organizer Alex McCormick has so far raised over £100,000, significantly surpassing the initial £500 target. McCormick expressed sorrow over the incident, stating, “It makes me heartbroken to think that children will miss out on an opportunity to read and explore new books and stories in a community space which is meant to be safe for them and their families, especially over the summer holidays.
The funds will be used to replenish books lost in the fire and repair the damaged space. One donor, contributing £10, wrote, “We didn’t let Nazis get away with burning books in the ’40s and we won’t now.” Another donor added, “Every book lover in the world is rooting for you, Spellow Lane. May a beautiful garden of discovery and knowledge grow from these ashes of hubris.
Ms. McCormick thanked the community for their overwhelming support, noting, “I hope that this has brought some light to a very dark week, and has restored people’s faith that there is, and always will be, good people.
Violence erupted in several cities over the weekend after far-right groups initially targeted Southport last week in response to the stabbing deaths of three girls in the Merseyside town.
Two brothers appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Monday in connection with the disorder at the Spellow Lane Library Hub. Adam Wharton, 28, admitted to burglary with intent to steal, while his younger brother Ellis Wharton, 22, admitted to attempting to steal a computer screen from the library but denied assaulting a police officer. Both were remanded in custody ahead of their next appearance at Liverpool Crown Court.
