Patrols stepped up after terror attack

Vigils to be held in Peterborough for victims of New Zealand attack

Patrols have been stepped up around mosques in Peterborough after 50 people were killed in a terror attack in New Zealand.

A gunman burst into two mosques in Christchurch on Friday, leaving 50 dead and dozens more injured.

Following the attack, Cambridgeshire police said: “Following on from the horrific attacks on mosques in New Zealand we will be conducting reassurance patrols at mosques across the county.

“We work closely with partners in the Muslim community and local authorities, including Cambridgeshire County Council, and will continue to do so.”

Senior police officers, including Chief Constable Nick Dean, Superintendant Andy Gipp and Deputy Chief Constable Nav Malik all attended the Faizan e Madina Mosque in Gladstone Street.

Abdul Choudhuri, president of the mosque said: “The whole community is saddened by what has happened, while people were worshipping in the house of God, they were killed. Peterborough people are shocked and terrified, if something like this can happen in New Zealand, a peaceful country, it can happen anywhere.

“We have had support from the council and the police, but we can’t be complacent.”

Tributes to the victims came from across the city, including from Peterborough Cathedral and the Bishop of Peterborough.

Two vigils will take place in in the city this weekend to pay tribute to those killed and injured. The first will take place in Cathedral Square at 5pm on Friday. The second will be held in front of Peterborough Town Hall at 12.30pm on Saturday. All are welcome to attend. A book of condolence has also been opened at Peterborough Town Hall for residents to sign.

Patrols around mosques in the city were stepped up to reassure worshippers