We were shocked by the scenes, as children under the age of ten were filmed participating with teenagers, and adults in the destruction of businesses owned by People of Colour, the burning public buildings, and engaging in racist rhetoric. ArtsGroupie is calling for an investigation by social services to assess whether those children are growing up in environments that are fit for children.

As an arts and heritage organisation, we have the pleasure of working with communities of varying backgrounds. This in the past has including asylum seekers and refugees fleeing the direst of circumstances. A lot of this work takes place in our public libraries, which provide a vital community space for children, and adults alike. These spaces are especially crucial after years of austerity that have drastically reduced the amount of community spaces in our local areas.

We were therefore heartbroken as Spellow Library on County Road, an area of high deprivation, was set on fire. This despicable arson has robbed an already struggling community of an important public asset, and a place where ArtsGroupie CIC were booked to conduct arts workshops for children in just a few short weeks. We have a close professional relationship with Liverpool Libraries and Information Services, and we know the staff are deeply hurt by the loss of Spellow Library.

We denounce the racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia that gripped our country this week. Just this year, ArtsGroupie Creative Director, John Maguire was in Ireland with Liverpool Irish Festival, participating in the National Famine Way, a six-day, 165km (102 miles) walk trail from Roscommon to Dublin that marks where 1042 people were kicked of their land in an act of colonialism during a famine in Ireland, and forced to walk to Dublin. Many, including children and babies, perished on the journey.

Every one of ArtsGroupie’s team have ancestors who arrived in Liverpool emaciated and homeless, during the 1800s. This is why many Liverpudlians feel solidarity with the asylum seekers and refugees now arriving and facing similarly horrific circumstances. We cannot fathom why any Scouser would participate in damaging their own city in service of this kind of racism.

Our hearts go out to those affected by this domestic terrorism. We know there are People of Colour raising children across the city who will be deeply concerned about their children’s safety in the wake of this attack. We stand firmly with every single one of them, whether they are British Born, have immigrated, or are here seeking asylum. All are welcome in this city. This is Liverpool.

“Liverpool’s history is one of immigration. We have the oldest settled Irish community outside of Ireland, the oldest Chinese, and oldest Black communities in Europe. Multiculturism built our city. Our distinct accent is a mismatch of International influence. I was shocked to see children participating in yesterday’s violence, and I hope the police and local authority will be investigating whether those children belong in homes that allow children to take part in such activities. Some of those taking part weren’t even from the city. How dare they. I have never been so appalled. I feel sick.”

· Mikey Garland, Co-Director