THE Bishop of Winchester has called for people to 'look after others’ safety' amid fears that the national protests could spread to Southampton. 

Philip Mounstephen made the comments after reports that at least two protests could be coming to the city in the wake of riots that are sweeping across the country following the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport.

In a video posted on X, the bishop said: “Southampton has always been a place that has been open to the world, in a way that has changed the world for the better.

“These recent days we have seen a dark side to many of our cities as they have been marred by violence and looting. People who should be able to walk the streets without fear can no longer do so.

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“I pray that in this city that will not be so.”

He added: “Let’s not be people who provoke others. Let’s not let ourselves be provoked by others. Let’s be people who look after others’ safety. Who look after our young people’s safety, by not letting them go out to be caught up in mobs and do things they will later regret – perhaps deeply.

“Let’s show this city’s best face to the world, and say that whatever may happen elsewhere – it will not happen here. Not in this great city whose greatness rests in it being an open, global, ocean city.

“I am unashamedly a Christian. I found Christian faith for myself in this city. As a Christian I follow one who was lynched by the mob. But as he died, he turned the other cheek and prayed, ‘Father forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.’

“My prayer is that in this city, people will not follow the mob, but instead – no matter what their faith or none – will instead walk in the way of Jesus. The way of love, forgiveness and sacrifice.”