Police patrols stepped-up across Lancashire as 49 killed in New Zealand mosque attacks

Deputy Chief Constable Sunita Gamblin, of Lancashire Police, said "Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the tragic events in Christchurch, New Zealand.

"We recognise that incidents such as these can cause significant concern within our communities.

"However we'd like to reassure the public that there is currently no intelligence to suggest a credible threat within Lancashire, but we have stepped up patrols in key locations across the county as a precaution and will continue to engage with all of our communities, including visiting mosques across the county, to offer them further reassurance.

"We will also be encouraging local faith and community networks to demonstrate that in Lancashire we are tolerant, proud and protective of all our diverse communities, and that we will not allow terrorists to create discord, distrust and fear among us.

"We stand together with our Muslim communities and all those shocked and horrified by this terrorist attack in New Zealand."

Visit by police to to Raza Jamia Masjid and community Centre Accrington

Leader of the Labour Group on Lancashire County Council Azhar Ali condemned the ‘terrorist’ attacks on the two mosques in Christchurch.

Cllr Ali, who was a government advisor on Counter Terrorism and Extremism from 2005-2010 said: "I woke up on Friday morning to this breaking news which just reinforces the message that terrorists have no religion, colour or creed.

"This is an attack on humanity. Now is the time for all communities to stick together and send these right wing extremists and terrorists a simple message #not in my name."

President of the Board of Deputies for British Jews, Marie van der Zyl, whose senior Vice President, Sheila Gewolb has just completed a two day visit to East Lancashire, said: "We are horrified by this sickening terrorist attack against Muslims at mosques in New Zealand.

"To the victims, the survivors and their families, together with Muslims around the world who have been targets of rising hatred, whipped up by media hostility, we express our absolute and resolute solidarity."

DCC Gamblin went on to say that Lancashire police take hate crime very seriously and would encourage anyone who feels they have been subjected to hate crime of any sort to report it to the police.

She said: "We work closely with our partners and community organisations as well as our support networks to understand the impact of all forms of hate crime and are continually striving to improve our service."