Notts Police are urging communities to ‘stand together’ following the terror attack on a London mosque in which one person was killed.
Worshippers near the Finsbury Park Mosque and Muslim Welfare House were making their way home at 12.20am this morning having attended prayers shortly after midnight.
A van is thought to have then deliberately mounted the pavement, driving towards them.
One person died at the scene and eight people have been taken to hospital.
Notts Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “Details are still emerging as to what has happened on the Seven Sisters Road this morning, but it appears someone has deliberately driven a van at innocent members of the Muslim community.
“They left local Mosques after prayers and as some people were helping a potential heart attack victim.
“This adds to the vulgarity of such a horrific attack.
“Having seen the impact of the recent devastation caused by events in Manchester and London, I know that this attack will cause concern for our communities.
“I want to reassure everyone that we will be continuing to provide visible reassurance across Nottinghamshire, and will be speaking to community leaders to support and alleviate their concerns – we will stand together and we must never allow cowards to divide us.
“The incident is being treated as a terrorist incident, and it is times like these when we need our communities to really come together, to support one another and not let violence and hate divide us.”
Notts Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping also expressed ‘concern’ at what had happened but also urged communities to work together.
He said: “In Nottinghamshire there are longstanding discussions with Mosque leaders regarding increased protection during Ramadan.
“In light of last night’s attack, that protection has been strengthened and increased.
“It’s only by working together and treating everyone with respect that we can keep our streets safe and secure.”
