6 Jun 2017

NZ Muslim community condemns London attack

6:47 am on 6 June 2017

New Zealand's Muslim community has condemned the attack in London which left seven people dead and 48 injured, including a New Zealand man.

Flowers by the police cordon outside The Shard in London as a tribute to victims.

Flowers by the police cordon outside The Shard in London as a tribute to victims. Photo: AFP

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the terror attack on Saturday.

The police have identified the three men who carried out the deadly assault, and were shot dead by officers to bring their rampage to an end. They say they'll name them as soon as possible.

Twelve people, believed to be associates of the men, have been arrested, and 11 of them remain in custody.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said the barbaric acts, committed by so-called Muslims, run completely against the peaceful teachings of Islam.

Its president, Bashir Khan, said their thoughts and prayers were with the victims and families affected.

Mr Khan said they were shocked by what had happened, and as a community wanted to do everything possible to condemn the atrocities.

"We need to unite and fight this in every possible way to stop these acts being performed under the name of religion."

He said the object of terrorism was to divide people - and instead communities needed to unite and fight this in every way possible.

Islamist extremism 'evil ideology'

The British High Commission is describing Islamist extremism as an evil ideology, preaching hatred and sowing discrimination.

In a statement, the High Commission says the extreme ideology is a perversion of Islam, which claims to be incompatible with western values of freedom, democracy and human rights.

It says the ideology cannot be defeated through military intervention, and will only be defeated when people's minds are turned away from the violence.

It says it is safe to travel to the United Kingdom, and to London, but visitors should be vigilant and ready to report suspicious behaviour.

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