THE city’s Muslim community has reacted with shock to a terrorist attack close to a mosque in London.

A van hit a number of worshippers near Finsbury Park Mosque, in Seven Sisters Road, London, this morning.

One man has died and another 10 people have been injured in the attack, which took place just after midnight.

West Mercia Police is carrying out additional engagement work with the Muslim community and has reassured the public that they have plans in place to provide a visible police presence around mosques.

Mohammed Iqbal, general secretary of Worcester Central Mosque, said: “Events like this don’t help, they sow a seed of hate from the Muslim side - or any side.

“I woke up to the news, I was quite shocked. I thought ‘that’s terrible’ especially with what London is going through at the moment with the building fire.

“The message of Islam is all about peace. 30 or 40 years ago we were all living in peace, 15 years ago all these terrible events started happening.

“We want to go out and integrate into society and show people that Islam is peace.”

Mr Iqbal of Wyld’s Lane, Worcester, said the depiction of Muslims in the news could be behind the attack.  

The 45-year-old added that Islamic terrorists represent less than 0.1 per cent of the 1.7 billion Muslims across the world.  

Cllr Steve Mackay, the Mayor of Worcester, said: “I am extremely saddened by the events which have occurred close to the mosque in Finsbury Park.

“Here in Worcester, I have already started to reach out to our Muslim communities, and will be visiting the central mosque in Tallow Hill for a special community event this Wednesday."

Supt Kevin Purcell, police commander for South Worcestershire, tweeted: “Awful events to wake up to [at] Finsbury Park.

“Thinking of those involved and at the same time our Muslim community and friends.”

Robin Walker, Worcester's MP, said: "I think the Prime Minister was right to say this is an attack on British values and freedom of religion.


“There’s no place for Islamophobia in our country, it’s profoundly un-British thing to persecute people for.


"Extremism of any sort is the wrong answer. Extremists seek to divide communities to create the scenario of a clash of civilisations to justify their atrocities."


Mr Walker says Worcester has a well-integrated and important Muslim community and believes that there are methods of tackling extremism in society.


“In the short term we need to make sure there’s a [visible] police presence,” he said.


“In the long term we have to have a clear narrative in countering extremism – nationalist as well as religious.”


Bromsgrove MP and communities secretary, Sajid Javid, met with members of the community in the area yesterday.


He tweeted: "Utterly despicable attack on worshippers at #FinsburyPark mosque. Thoughts & prayers with victims, family & friends."

Martin Evans, assistant chief constable for West Mercia Police, said all of the victims in the London attack were from the Muslim community.

John Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, said the attack was particularly evil because it was committed during Ramadan. 

Prime Minister Theresa May announced that the police were treating the incident as a potential terrorist attack.

A witness at the scene said the man behind the wheel got out of his van and shouted about wanting to kill Muslims.

A 48-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the incident.

Worcester residents have reacted with shock to the incident, especially given the recent attacks in Westminster Bridge, Manchester and London Bridge.