Muslims targeted in north London ‘terrorist attack’
A man has been killed and 10 others injured after a man drove a van into worshippers near a north London mosque last night.
The police have confirmed they are treating the incident, which took place outside Muslim Welfare House near Finsbury Park Mosque, as a ‘terrorist attack’.
A 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
‘During the night, ordinary British citizens were set upon while they were going about their lives, completing their night worship,’ said Harun Khan, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB).
‘My prayers are with the victims and their families.’
Mr Khan said it appears the attack was motivated by Islamophobia and called on the authorities to increase security.
‘Given we are approaching the end of the month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid with many Muslims going to local mosques, we expect the authorities to increase security outside mosques as a matter of urgency,’ he said.
Commenting on the attack, home secretary Amber Rudd said: ‘My thoughts are with all those affected by the appalling incident at Finsbury Park.
‘I am in contact with the Metropolitan Police who have confirmed it is being investigated by their Counter Terrorism Command.’
‘Yesterday, like so many others around the country, I took part in the Great Get Together to celebrate the values of Jo Cox,’ she continued.
‘It was powerful and moving to see the community come together in a show of solidarity.
‘We must all continue to stand together, resolute, against all those who try to divide us and spread hate and fear.’
‘We stand together with the people of Finsbury Park this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with those killed and injured,’ said Jennette Arnold, chair of the London Assembly.
‘This attack on the people of London is yet another attempt to breed hatred and division in our city.
‘Londoners cherish the tolerance and diversity of the capital. The people of this great city will be disgusted at the apparent motivation of this incident.
‘We remain steadfast in our condemnation of all acts of terror.’
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