A Gloucester community came together to remember the dozens of people killed at a mosque in New Zealand one week after a gunman opened fire there.
Two former members of the Royal Military Police stood guard outside the Masjid-e-Noor mosque in Ryecroft Street to show solidarity with worshippers during Friday prayers.
Wearing their red caps, medals and signs saying “you are my friend – I will keep watch while you pray”, Garry Mills and Simon Wilson stood on the street while people were inside.
Mr Mills explained why they were standing outside.
“There people are living in our country. Every person has the right to their religion and to their prayers. They are British and we must live together,” he said.
He added: “It’s only right that we should be standing shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters of the Islamic tradition.”
Hundreds of people came to pray one week after the attack in Christchurch which left 50 people dead, with 50 people injured. Some of those injured are in a critical condition.
Imam Hassan led the service, which was also attended by Gloucester MP Richard Graham .
Hassan said: “Since last Friday there has been a huge wave of support, solidarity and affection for the wider community. People have been leaving flowers sending messages of support even protecting us.”
He said he had never “witnessed anything like this before”.
Earlier in the week hundreds of people took part in a moment’s silence outside Gloucester Cathedral after the Bishop of Gloucester Dr Rachel Treweek and the Dean of Gloucester Stephen Lake allowed Hash Norat to hold a moment’s silence there.
Hassan said: “Hundreds of people turned up with only a few hours notice. We were all so surprised to see so many people turn up.
“We’re very grateful for the support.”
Mr Graham, who couldn’t be at Tuesday’s event, invited himself to the mosque on Friday.
He said why he was there.
“It’s important because this about solidarity. All of us must come together and support each other. That’ why I wanted to come here today to meet old friends and make new ones. “
