Faith groups from Northampton have condemned the murder of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich, saying the attack has “no place” in any religion.
Drummer Rigby was killed by two suspected terrorists who made a series of ‘Islamic statements’ after stabbing him in the street on Wednesday afternoon.
The killing has caused international shock and members of faith groups from across Northampton have added their condemnation.
Abade Ahmen from the Northamptonshire Somali Community organisation said members had been shocked to hear news of the attack.
He said: “I, and members of my community in Northampton, condemn this terrorist action. It was a barbaric act against an innocent person.
“It was a disgraceful and shocking act from evil-minded and criminal people and using Islamic slogans in this way is wrong and shameful.
“The action was against all communities, religions and society in Britain.
“These terror groups are nothing to do with Islam. Their action is against the teaching of the Qur’an.
“We are with the family and with the victim, not with the terror groups.
“We must stand together and be united against terror and terrorism. Britain will win and the terror groups will lose.”
The Northampton Interfaith Forum, which represents Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh religions, has also condemned the killing.
Neelam Aggarwal-Singh from the group, said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family. This act of violence has no place within any of the faiths and we know that religious leaders, locally and nationally, have expressed their condemnation and horror.”
Northamptonshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Adam Simmonds, has also pledged to look at the county’s security arrangements in the wake of the attack.
He tweeted: “A sad day in London. Thoughts go out to loved ones. Will be reviewing Northants security arrangements/preparedness with chief constable.”
Meanwhile, The Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt Revd Donald Allister, whose diocese covers Northamptonshire, today issued a statement describing the murder as “appalling”.
He said: “The appalling murder of a soldier in Woolwich has shocked us all. We are grateful for the bravery of our armed forces, emergency services and security services, and we pray for them and their success in maintaining peace and stability.
“I also want to assure our Muslim and other minority communities of our continued determination to build good community relations and deep friendships between those of different religions and ethnic backgrounds.”