We condemn the criminal attacker

This was a dreadful attack, it was a brutal and a cowardly attack on all of us and on our nation. We vehemently condemn the criminal who carried it out as well as the terrorists who inspire such atrocities. This evil has nothing to do with Islam, the terrorists have a shocking ideology, and they are enemies of Islam and humanity. It’s obvious that these evil people want to sow dissent and conflict between Muslims and the wider society. We must resist this and shouldn’t let the terrorists win. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two victims Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones.

We live in a peaceful country, Great Britain where Muslims are free to practice their religion. This is a basic human right but also a privilege, which we mustn’t abuse. Islam is a religion of the middle path, moderation and far away from extremes of all sorts. We believe in upholding the authority of our country’s laws, democracy, pluralism and respecting all fellow citizens. We also condemn anyone who in any form or shape carries out any kind of violence against British citizens.

We invite all Muslims to show loyalty and pride in Great Britain and its institutions, this is our Islamic duty.

Dr Musharraf Hussain
Chief Imam