REDDITCH'S Muslim community has reacted with shock to a terrorist attack close to a mosque in London.

A van hit a number of worshippers near Finsbury Park Mosque, in Seven Sisters Road, London, this morning.

One man has died and another 10 people have been injured in the attack, which took place just after midnight.

West Mercia Police is carrying out additional engagement work with the Muslim community and has reassured the public that they have plans in place to provide a visible police presence around mosques.

Raf Hussain, chairman of Redditch Central Mosque in Jinnah Road, said: "All we can do is remain vigilant and not let acts like this come between us.

"The attack in London has affected people here in Redditch, but we have to show these people, these people who are from no religion, that they will not win. We have to show them there is no place for hatred."

"All we can do is stay together."

He added: "We have been taking extra measures today and the police have said they will be increasing patrols, especially around prayer time."

Martin Evans, assistant chief constable for West Mercia Police, said all of the victims in the London attack were from the Muslim community.

He said: "As information regarding the appalling attack in Finsbury Park in London is shared we understand that our communities, especially those observing Ramadan, will be upset, alarmed and anxious.

"Whilst the motivation behind the attack has not yet been confirmed, all the victims were from the Muslim community and we want to reassure the public that we have patrol plans in place that ensure a visible uniformed presence at Mosques."

He added: "We will be engaging with Muslim communities across the areas we serve to provide reassurance in light of last night's attack and answer are questions they may have about how we tackle crimes against specific communities across our force area."

John Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, said the attack was particularly evil because it was committed during Ramadan.

"Once again our resolve is being tested by terrorists, but we will not be divided," he said.

"Our shared values of tolerance, peace and unity will continue to be the things that bring our communities together.

"Having spoken with chief officers this morning I am reassured that West Mercia Police will maintain a consistent, visible presence, particularly around our local mosques, to provide reassurance to worshippers. However it manifests itself, hate crime has no place in our communities and will not be tolerated."

Prime Minister Theresa May announced that the police were treating the incident as a potential terrorist attack.

A witness at the scene said the man behind the wheel got out of his van and shouted about wanting to kill Muslims.

A 48-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the incident.