Scotland Yard steps-up security of mosques in UK after NZ terror attack

March 15, 2019 22:18

Scotland Yard on Friday said that officers will be undertaking extra patrols around mosques in the United Kingdom in the wake of the terror attacks on New Zealand mosques in which 49 people have been killed.

The Metropolitan Police is monitoring the situation since the mass shootings at Christchurch and remained on stand-by to offer support to its counterparts in New Zealand, Scotland Yard's Indian-origin National Policing Lead for Counter-Terrorism Neil Basu said.

"We will be stepping up reassurance patrols around mosques and increasing engagement with communities of all faiths, giving advice on how people and places can protect themselves," the UK's senior-most counter-terrorism official said.

"Our international network of UK counter terrorism officers will be ready to support our counterparts in New Zealand in responding to and investigating this appalling attack," said Met Police Assistant Commissioner Basu.

Expressing his condolences to all those affected in the attack, Basu said his team stands together with the Muslim communities and all other communities as well as partners in the UK and overseas to work with them to counter the threat 'no matter where it comes from'.

"Together with our intelligence partners, we continually monitor the varied threats we face, including to and around places of worship and specific communities across the country, to ensure we have the most appropriate protective security measures in place to keep people safe," he said.

Basu's statement came as it emerged that senior counter-terrorism experts and security services personnel are set to hold talks with UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid on how mosques in the UK can best be protected.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who described the attacks as 'heartbreaking', reiterated that there would be 'highly visible policing around mosques today, as well as armed response officers, as Londoners go to pray'.

Queen Elizabeth II and British Prime Minister Theresa May led condolences from the UK following the deadliest terror attack in New Zealand's history.

The Queen said her 'thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders at this 'tragic time'. -- PTI

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