Mosques warned to ‘watch out for vigilante attacks’
MOSQUES around Greater Manchester are being urged to step up security amid fears of anti-Islamic hate crime following the deadly terror attack in London.
Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Rochdale-based Ramadhan Foundation, has written to 1,500 mosques and Islamic centres and warned them to be vigilant.
His warning comes a day after the outrage in Westminster in which the British-born attacker was shot dead.
The so-called Islamic State has claimed the attacker, who was known to MI5, was a ‘soldier of Islamic State’.
Mr Shafiq, who has previously suffered death threats for his stand against terrorism, paid tribute to PC Keith Palmer who died during the attack but warned fellow Muslims about vigilante attacks.
He said: “Following on from yesterday’s terrorist attack at Westminster the Ramadhan Foundation has called for all mosques to step up security and remain vigilant to any possible vigilante attacks.”
He continued: “The terrorists aim to divide communities, the far right are doing the work of these terrorist groups by perpetuating the division and hatred, but as British citizens, we will continue to work to bring people together and defeat the ideology of violence.
“Sadly, after such terrorist atrocities innocent Muslims and our mosques are deliberately targeted as acts of Muslim hatred. We need to remain vigilant and resolute to not allow anyone to divide our communities.
“I want to pay tribute to PC Keith Palmer killed yesterday in the line of service defending our democracy; we pay tribute to him and offer our prayers, condolences and solidarity to his family and friends.
“The coming days will be difficult for British Muslims; we are dealing with the immediate response to the terrorist attack and then have to put up with hatred and violence directed towards members of our community.
“I have urged all mosques to step up their security so that we are all safe in places of worship.”
He added: “Finally, we saw the worse of humanity in the terrorist attack on Parliament but we also saw the best of humanity. The emergency services, police and members of the public rushing to help victims despite the personal risk; that is the best of humanity and what London and the United Kingdom is all about.”
Greater Manchester Police is also reviewing security.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the horrific events in London yesterday. The profound impact of these attacks has been felt across all our communities and I want to send out a strong message to everyone that we must stand together, remain vigilant and live our lives as normal.
“In light of the atrocities, we have been closely monitoring the situation to determine the appropriate response required here in Greater Manchester.
“We are continuing to review our deployments and take all reasonable steps to keep people safe.
“I want be clear that there is no specific intelligence suggesting that an attack is imminent within Greater Manchester.
“I would also like to ask the public for their support and vigilance and want to stress that if you see anything that causes you concern or raises your suspicions do not hesitate to call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline - 0800 789 321 - or in an emergency 999.”
Report suspicious activity to the police by calling or visiting the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or gov.uk/ACT
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