Anna Lo MLAsaid: “This was a hate crime. I am disgusted that there are those who wish to attack a place of worship.
“I am concerned that this attack happened the day after the barbaric murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich.
“I condemn the brutal attack on a young soldier and would like to extend my sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues.
“Individuals who engage in such hate-filled actions are seeking to drive a wedge between communities and heighten racial and religious tension. If we respond by attacking other innocent people then we hand them a victory. We need to stand together to defeat them.
“The actions of these two men in Woolwich does not represent all Muslims, and attacks such as those on the Islamic centre should be condemned.”
ENDS