POLICE, politicians and community groups have appealed for people across East Lancashire to stand together against terrorist violence after the latest attack in London.

One person died and 10 people were injured when man drove a van into worshippers close to the Muslim Welfare House in Finsbury Park as they were gathered to help an elderly male who had collapsed.

Abdul Hamid Qureshi, chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said: “This is a time for all communities to stick together in the face of terrorist violence: for love and patience not division.”

Jack Straw, formerly MP for Blackburn and Labour Home Secretary, said: “This attack is terrible and shocking coming almost on the anniversary of the murder of Jo Cox MP. It highlights the pressure our police service is under from extremists of all types.”

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council said: “We totally condemn the heartless attack at the Finsbury Park mosque in north London.

“We work with all places of worship in Pendle to strengthen community understanding and support everyone’s right to go about their daily lives safely.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We’ll have extra reassurance patrols out and would ask people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious and any incidents they perceive as hate crime.

“Lancashire is a tolerant and diverse county and we must not allow terrorists to create discord, distrust and fear.” Cllr Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We cannot let hate divide us.”

The Rt Rev. Julian Henderson, Bishop of Blackburn said: “We are appalled and upset by the news from London about the terrorist incident near Finsbury Park Mosque. Communities need to stand together at times like this. We stand united with our Muslim neighbours in Lancashire who will have been deeply upset by this latest attack.”

East Lancashire community relations adviser Faz Patel MBE said: “This is a time for communities to reject tit-for-tat violence.”

Nigel Evans, Conservative MP for Ribble Valley, said: “I am horrified at this attack and steps must be taken to protect East Lancashire’s Muslims .” The Union flag flew at half-mast over Burnley Town Hall yesterday in light of the attack.