By Ruth Halkon, Reporte

The Minister for Security at the Home Office visited the site of the Somali community centre gutted by fire on Wednesday to hear the concerns of the community first hand.

James Brokenshire MP, who is responsible for domestic national security and counter terrorism, visited the site of the Somali Bravanese Islamic Centre in Coppetts Road this morning, accompanied by MPs Mike Freer and Theresa Villiers.

The minister and MPs then met Muslim community leaders at the Islamic Association North London mosque in High Road in North Finchley.

Mr Brokenshire said: “My thoughts are with the community at this time. The police investigations are ongoing and it is important that we allow them to run their course.”

Speaking after the mosque meeting, Mr Freer said: “The minister emphasised to community leaders the Government takes hate crime extremely seriously, and that any attempt to divide communities on religious grounds is deplored.

“I know the Government is monitoring anti-Muslim extremists, and will not hesitate to prosecute those who cross the line and incite. I will do what I can to reassure the Muslim community in Finchley and Golders Green the Government will not accept Islamophobia in any form.”

MP for Chipping Barnet Mrs Villiers said it had been a pleasure to meet Muslim community leaders, adding she was grateful to the minister for attending the visit.

She said “Our Borough Commander Adrian Usher and his team are doing good work reassuring the multi faith communities across Barnet.

“Barnet is proud of its diverse multi-faith community. I was touched to learn that Abubakar Ali and others from the centre have been overwhelmed by offers of help. It is also welcome news that Barnet Borough Council plan to rebuild the centre. It only goes to show that whoever was behind this abhorrent act failed in their aim of fostering division and hostility.”

Source: ThisislocolLondon