Reassurance for our Muslim communities
Council leader says community ties continue to be excellent
Perthshire’s Muslim community is being given additional police support and reassurance in the wake of the Finsbury Park terror attack last week.
Police Scotland has confirmed that it will be carrying out increased visibility and armed patrols at all mosques across Scotland, including the religious centre in Perth.
And Council Leader Ian Campbell also issued a statement to the PA in the wake of the apparent Islamaphobiainspired incident in London, saying that efforts to bring communities together will continue.
The Finsbury incident on Monday last week came at a time when Muslims were marking Ramadan, and on the back of increased tensions because of terror attacks which have been linked to Islamic extremists.
All communities came together in London following the Finsbury incident which left one person dead
Council leader Ian Campbell says the council will continue its work and several others in hospital after a man drove a van on to the crowded pavement.
Police Scotland said it will have an increased presence at the country’s 84 mosques to provide reassurance to local communities.
Assistant Chief Constable Nelson Telfer said: “I assure you that Police Scotland remains united with all communities. Obviously this comes soon after the attacks in London and Manchester as well as other attacks abroad. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.
“While we understand that the public will clearly be appalled by these events, I would urge each and every member of our communities to remain united against extremism and hate.
“Police Scotland will not tolerate any attempts to target any community by any misguided individual or group and will work with all of our partners to resolve any issues and address concerns.”
And Cllr Campbell said: “We have worked hard over the years, we believe, quite successfully to promote collaboration and co-operation within all our resident communities. We will continue to do so as we believe it has paid dividends and we are continually keen to respond to the needs of all communities.”
Anyone with concerns about or information about suspicious activity is asked to contact the police on 101, the UK Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or in an emergency dial 999.