AVON and Somerset Police have moved to reassure faith leaders following the Finsbury Park terror attack in the early hours of Monday.

One person was killed and ten injured after a car was driven into worshippers as they left a mosque.

Avon and Somerset Police's Neighbourhoods and Partnerships Superintendent Andy Bennett said: "In the wake of the latest tragic incident in London in the early hours we want to reassure all our communities we are doing everything we can to keep them safe.

"Everyone has the right to live and worship peacefully without fear of being targeted for their ethnicity or religion.

"Over the coming days our neighbourhood teams will be contacting faith leaders to provide them with reassurance and to address any concerns they may have.

"We will also be carrying out additional high visibility patrols late into the evening, including areas around mosques.

"There can never be any excuse for hate crime in any shape or form and criminality of this type will not be tolerated.

"If you are a witness or a victim of hate crime or feel vulnerable please contact someone to report it.

"More people are reporting hate crime than ever before but it is still significantly underreported. Don’t suffer in silence; there are people who can help you.

"Call the police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website or visit the True Vision website for information, advice and to report online.

"In an emergency, always dial 999."

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: "Firstly my thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, friends and all those affected by the terrorist attack in London’s Finsbury Park.

"In the wake of this latest event, I want to reassure all our communities that the police are doing everything they can to keep them safe including carrying out additional high visibility patrols.

“Our beliefs, religion and cultural traditions are what makes our communities rich and vibrant. They should not be reasons to target innocent people going about their daily lives.
"Events like this cannot over shadow the love, peace and warmth held by our communities. Given all we have faced recently I take heart from the countless selfless acts seen in Manchester and London and the positive community spirt which counteracts the despair and fear that terrorism can incite.

“Hate cannot and will not divide us. We must stand together to build safer and stronger communities and a more tolerant and respectful society in which we can bring up our children for generations to come.”