Shropshire vigil held for New Zealand terror attack victims
People from different faiths have gathered to remember those killed in the Christchurch terror attack, and deliver the message that "there is more that unites us than divides us".
More than 60 people turned out for yesterday's vigil, which took place in The Square at Craven Arms.
The event was organised by South Shropshire Interfaith Forum, in conjunction with Craven Arms Islamic Centre.
Shaykh Umar Hussain, project co-ordinator for the Islamic centre, said they had been pleased to see so many people turn up and send out a united message.
He said: "We just wanted to show that there is always far more that unites us than divides us and to express solidarity, not just for the victims of the Christchurch, but victims of all terror attacks no matter what race or religion they are from.
"It is about bringing people together to show we are one."
50 people were killed in the horrific attacks on two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch on March 15.
An Australian man, Brenton Tarrant, 28, has been charged with one murder relating to the killings, and is expected to face further charges.
The attacks, which were live streamed on Facebook, shocked people across the world and led to an outpouring of condemnation, and calls to denounce anti-Islamic sentiment.
Around 22 people still remain in hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the attack, which saw people gunned down as they prayed.
Mr Hussain said they had held the event "to give members of the local community an opportunity to pay their respects to all victims and in particular the victims of the New Zealand attack whilst promoting greater solidarity among all members of our local community.
"We welcomed local people from all walks of life, to stand hand in hand as one community to drive out hate and extremism of any form, from our community."
