A LARGE and diverse crowd gathered at the cenotaph in Swindon town centre to pay their respects to the victims of the mass shootings at two mosques in New Zealand.

Swindon Muslim Council member Atiff Gaffar spoke of the “hate that had been festering in communities for a long time” which he said led to a terrorist killing 50 people in Christchurch last week.

After a minute’s silence, deputy mayor Kevin Parry, North Swindon Labour parliamentary candidate Kate Linnegar, Emmanuel United Reform Church minister Robert Jordan, Swindon Muslim Council chair Ishak Mogul gave short speeches and prayers about the need for tolerance, love and understanding in the wake of the attack.

Mr Gaffar added: “I don’t have the words to describe what happened last week, a lot of us were left speechless but not surprised, especially since Brexit gave the nationalist movement the opportunity to do and say what they want ... we need to speak up against all forms of terrorism.

“The Union Jack has been hijacked by this movement and we need to reclaim it, make it the flag waved by Mo Farah when he crossed the finish line, this is what the flag really represents for us in the Muslim community.”

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Coun Parry said: “We are divided by oceans but united in our grief. What has happened will only strengthen our unity. We must never let these people win and we must be strong together to bring united peace.”

Two Muslim men from the crowd came up to the front to speak at the end of the vigil organised by Swindon’s Trades Union Council and their words on brotherhood, humanity and finding common ground were met with loud applause.

Sumon Roy, president of the Hindju Samaj Association, said afterwards: “It does not matter what religion or belief you have, brutality is brutality and we need to work towards a peaceful world where we can live together. We have to stand united against such killings.”

Coun Parry added: “It was amazing and humbling to see so many people pay their respects to the victims, I’m proud to be part of this town and to have been able to play a role in this vigil.”