WORCESTER’S Mayor and MP have called for solidarity after the terrorist attack in New Zealand which left 49 people dead.

In a meeting at the Guildhall, Mayor of Worcester Jabba Riaz and MP Robin Walker united to issue a joint condemnation of the attacks, which targeted two mosques in Christchurch.

Mr Riaz said: “The whole community is in shock. For it to happen on Friday, the day of prayers, is truly shocking.

“This is a cold blooded attack on innocent people by someone with far-right tendencies.

“The increase in hate crime we have seen over the last few years is why we as a city believe in love not hate and I would like to thank the residents, our MP, faith leaders and community groups for making Worcester a safe place to be.

“I would urge everyone not to watch or share the footage of the attack as all it does is spread the message of the terrorists and increase the chance of revenge attacks. Spreading this vile filth helps them achieve their goals.”

Echoing Mr Riaz, Mr Walker said: “The news coming out of New Zealand is absolutely horrifying. New Zealand is a country renowned for being a peaceful and tolerant place to live.

“Far more than being an attack on a group of worshippers, this is an attack on humanity.

“We need to send a message to those individuals and groups trying to set us against one another that we utterly condemn this attack.

“In Worcester, we are a city which is diverse and as a city of many faiths we should send our condolences to the people of Christchurch. The Mayor’s message of love not hate is a very important one to remember at a time like this.

“The Muslim community does not deserve to be attacked for its beliefs, and we need to come together to deal with the problem of Islamophobia in our society.”

Police in New Zealand arrested a man in his late 20s with two men and a woman also being detained.

The Bangladesh cricket team has since cancelled its tour of New Zealand after its players narrowly avoided the attack at the first mosque.