Following the news that the Somali and Bravanese Islamic Centre on Coppetts Road was burnt down yesterday, Theresa Villiers MP has issued the following statement:
“I am shocked by this attack in my constituency. This kind of hate crime is absolutely despicable. This is not just an attack on the Muslim community it is an attack on all of us and our values. We are a highly diverse multi-ethnic borough with excellent community cohesion in Barnet."
"We should under no circumstances allow violent extremists to divide us with this kind of outrage. I am deeply concerned about the impact this disgraceful crime will have on those who use the Bravanese Islamic Centre. They have all my sympathies at this difficult time."
"I would also like to pay tribute to the work of local firefighters in their efforts to deal with the fire. I am keeping in close touch with the police investigating this matter.”