A United Reformed Church leader has called for peace and unity after riots erupted near a Southport mosque, following Monday's fatal stabbings that claimed the lives of three children.

Bricks were hurled at the religious building on Tuesday, just streets away from a vigil held for Elsie, seven, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine and Bebe King, six, who were tragically stabbed to death at a dance workshop the day before.

Police attribute the unrest to misinformation that has spread online about the attacker’s religious faith. The Cardiff-born 17-year-old male in custody, is not a Muslim.

More than 50 police officers were injured in the violence that saw bricks, stones and bottles thrown and cars set alight.

Reverend Geoff Felton told Premier Christian News that the riots had overshadowed an important time of mourning.

“The town has had enough to deal with, with the attack and to have this other horrendous violence piled on top of them is just so sad,” Felton said.

“We should be talking about and supporting the families that are grieving and helping them.”

Southport residents have described Tuesday night’s riots as "like a war scene" and have raised concerns over a potential second night of unrest.

Merseyside police have called in support from neighbouring forces to avoid further rioting in Southport on Wednesday evening.

Felton offered his condolences to those who lost loved ones in the attack and said churches in the area are doing all they can to come together in support.

He added that the misinformation online has been damaging and called on Christians to look to the “Prince of Peace” as their example.

“It’s really important that rather than dividing our communities, we come together. We seek to build communities where people not only flourish but can live in peace and what has gone on in Southport at the moment has ripped a hole right through that.”