Political leaders have spoken on a new DVD about how Kingston came together in the wake of the attack, which came shortly after police pulled their guard away from the mosque.
Mosque management committee member Rizwan Khaliq, who was inside as it was attacked, said the Surrey Comet picture of community leaders was a visual representation of the community being “the first line of defence”.
The One Community DVD and the work since the attack creating a community cohesion group was unveiled at an event at Portcullis House, Westminster, on March 22.
Borough commander Chief Superintendent Martin Greenslade said he felt sick inside when he learned of the attack.
Council leader Derek Osbourne said: “It was not a reflection on what people in Kingston think of having a mosque. It is a reflection of other people’s prejudices.”
Zac Goldsmith, Richmond Park MP, said: “I think [the attack] was to fan the flames and cause a backlash but because of the way the mosque reacted, it never happened.”
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