London mosque attack: Police to step up patrols at West Midlands places of worship

Muslim leaders across the West Midlands region spoke out to condemn the attack, adding it will not stop them in their religious activities.

Baitul Atta Mosque and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Centre held a vigil to remember killed MP Jo Cox and the victims of the Manchester terrorist attack on Saturday night. President Muhammad Yaseen Kahn said: “I condemn this latest incident from the core my heart.

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“This goes against everything we are trying to do in bringing people together no matter their religious beliefs or backgrounds.” He added: “But let me tell you, this will not stop us in our prayers, our meetings, and the general function of the mosque. We remain undeterred.” The attacker struck as the area was busy with worshippers attending Ramadan night prayers at the mosque. Witnesses described hearing the man, who was detained by members of the public at the scene, shout: “I’m going to kill Muslims”.

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Dudley councillor and mosque member Mohammed Hanif said: “It is an awful thing which has happened. It is such a tragedy, there is no need for anything like this. What we need at the moment is harmony and people coming together – this is not going to help anyone. But I’m sure we will continue to stick together.”

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Boycott said: “As people would expect, we’re continuing to review our already well-rehearsed plans and will take any steps necessary to keep our communities safe.

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“Communities will see additional officers across the West Midlands and at places of worship in response to the latest attack. We will continue to work closely together and unite against those who seek, through violence and extremism, to intimidate or cause fear.”

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “It was an attack on all decent people in our country. It sought to divide us and sow the seeds of hatred. We will not let it succeed.”

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Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid visited the scene yesterday morning. He said: “The perpetrator of this attack – and those terrible attacks that we saw recently in Manchester and London – their intention is to seek to divide society. They will always, always fail.”

Prime Minister Theresa May, who held a meeting of the Government’s Cobra emergencies committee on the incident, said: “There is no place for this hatred in our country today and we need to work together as one society, one community, to drive it out, this evil which is affecting so many families.”