Muslim leaders call for increased police security
MUSLIM LEADERS in Yorkshire have warned of a rise of Islamophobia and called for increased security around mosques following the terror attack at Finsbury Park.
Qari Asim MBE, Imam of Leeds Makkah Mosque, said he was now working with police about increasing security at the city’s mosques following the attack, which took place as worshippers were praying during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Given that there has been five-fold increase in anti-Muslim hatred since the London Bridge attack, Muslims are deeply concerned and anxious about growing levels of Islamophobia,” he said.
“But we must remain calm and vigilant, and increase security around mosques. We must stand together to drown out extremism and hatred with hope, and unity.
“We are working with the police to have an increased presence to make sure people are reassured.”
In a statement, the Bradford Council for Mosques condemned the attack, but urged people to acknowledge it as terrorism.
The statement said: “At times like this, it is important for all sections of our society, of all backgrounds, to work together and to prevent the strong fabric of our great society from being torn apart.
“We implore the police and the security forces to continue their hard work in helping us to safeguard innocent people and to give assistance in preventing further attacks, and to apprehend the people behind this atrocity.”
It comes as police chiefs across the county condemned the attack at Finsbury Park.
In West Yorkshire Police, Chief Constable Dee Collins said police presences on streets in the county would be increased.
“These events will create concerns among our own local communities and we have this morning reviewed our operational and engagement plans across the county,” she said.”
“The public’s safety remains our top priority and we are increasing patrols of highly visible officers across West Yorkshire to provide reassurance.
West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, said he was working to ensure the force had the resources it needed to engage, reassure and protect its communities in the wake of the latest attack in London.