Peace vigil held in Birmingham to promote unity after atrocity

A vigil to promote unity in the wake of the Westminster atrocity has been held in Birmingham city centre.

Around 100 people attended the gathering after the city’s most prominent mosque issued a statement condemning Wednesday’s attack in London as “barbaric and heartless”.

Among those paying tribute to the victims by laying flowers and lighting candles was Mona Elshazly, who came to Britain from Egypt eight years ago.

The 37-year-old, who brought her four daughters to the vigil from her home in Handsworth Wood, said: “This is their country, they were born here and since I arrived in this country everyone has welcomed me.

“We need to fight for those victims and my kids need to know that they need to fight for their country and stand together with all the community.”

Church of England curate Jessica Foster also addressed the crowd gathered near the Bullring shopping centre.

Ms Foster, of St Peter’s in Hall Green, Birmingham, said PC Keith Palmer had sacrificed his life to ensure others’ safety.

“My faith teaches me, and I know other faiths teach the same thing, that every life is sacred,” she said.

“Birmingham is now being labelled as a centre of terror. This city will not stand back and be labelled and divided – we know very well how to live together, we know well how to make friendships across faiths.”

Pictures: AP/PA. Above: Staci Martin posing for a photo next to PC Keith Palmer outside the Houses of Parliament. Right: police officers bow their heads as flowers are left in central London.

Picture: PA. A vigil was also held outside Downing Street in London in response to the Westminster attack. Members of the public gathered to show unity against “hatred and division”.