MEMBERS of the Muslim community in Trowbridge and Melksham have been assured their mosques are a safe place to pray, after the shootings in New Zealand last week left them living in fear.

Fifty people died at two mosques in Christchurch when a lone gunman opened fire during Friday prayers and streamed the attack online.

Now Muslim community leaders and police officers have spoken out to ensure people still feel safe in their local place of worship.

Glenys Henriette, chairman of the West Wilts Multi Faith Forum, said: “We are totally against the type of behaviour we saw in New Zealand last week.

“It is scary for our members, they have been very apprehensive. The answer is for us all to love each other and live in peace in the community.

“We can’t change the world in a day, but we can each look after those closest to us. It is just like passing on a smile, I smile at someone and they smile at the next person.”

Since the New Zealand attacks police patrols have increased at mosques throughout the UK.

Inspector James Williams, from Wiltshire West Community Policing Team, said: “Following last week’s tragic events in Christchurch, we are aware of the impact this will have had on local communities.

“Because of this we have been carrying out increased reassurance patrols at places of worship, including mosques, specifically at key prayer times.

“We know that a visible policing presence will help to make our residents feel safe and we know this increased community engagement will help provide reassurance.

“We have made contact with key community figures from the Muslim faith and will continue to work with them to ensure they have the appropriate advice and support.”

Trowbridge Town Hall director David Lockwood said: “Friday’s terrorism attacks in New Zealand are shocking and horrific. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community, locally and globally.

“Trowbridge Town Hall was built for the benefit of the residents of the town. We’re proud to welcome a diverse range of groups, from Slimming World to visual artists, emerging theatre companies to the Muslim community. We will continue to be open, continue to celebrate empathy over prejudice and continue to be a home for all residents of the town.”