POLICE in Oxford have stepped up efforts to ensure Muslims feel safe in the city after the Christchurch attack. 

The force's commander for Oxford, Supt. Joe Kidman, said he has been in regular contact with mosque leaders since the shocking events in New Zealand unfolded on March 15.

He said that together they had worked out an approach to attempt to reassure anyone concerned about security at places of worship.

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Outlining the measures taken, Supt. Kidman said: “I have been speaking with mosque leaders over last weekend and through the week.

“We are working closely and maintaining regular contact and reassurance visits.

“I have mobilised neighbourhood officers from across the city to achieve this and this will continue over coming days and weeks and looking forward to Ramadan.

“We have agreed this approach as it continues to build trusted and supportive relationships.

“I attended Stanley Road mosque at Friday prayers and the overwhelming message from worshippers was that they appreciated the support they are receiving from us."

During Friday prayers yesterday, people of all faiths came together to 'stand up to bigotry'.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Faisal Aziz, of the Oxford Central Mosque committee, said he felt the police needed to be given more funding in order to help the mosque boost security. 

Supt. Kidman said although police funding was a matter for the Government, he has been advising places of worship how to apply for cash to fund extra security and will be writing to the Police and Crime Commissioner on behalf of community members.

He added: “Working with Counter Terrorism Policing, we provide specialist advice to help faith communities to take suitable safety and security steps.

“We will assist mosques and other places of worship to apply for government funding to improve security.

“Levels of this funding is a matter for the government. I have agreed to write to the PCC expressing the concern of many community members about perceived inequalities in this funding.”