A meeting of solidarity is taking place at Cornwall Islamic Centre tomorrow in the aftermath of an attack on two mosques in New Zealand.

It is just over a week since a gunman opened fire on a mosque in Christchurch, during Friday Prayer, before moving on to commit a further attack on a second mosque, killing 50 people and injuring dozens more.

At 1pm on Sunday, the Cornwall Islamic Community Centre at Carnon Downs, in the former Quenchwell Chapel, will be holding an event of short speeches about the recent events, followed by conversation and food.

Former MP Andrew George is among those who has been invited to speak at the event, after he helped establish the centre.

He said: “Nearly a quarter of a century ago it was my privilege to be involved in helping to set up the Cornwall Islamic Centre. Even then they faced bigotry, discrimination and threats.

“The then Bishop of Truro, Methodist chairman, the Cornish Jewish community and Catholics were amongst those who offered full support.

“I have been asked by my Islamic friends at the CIC to speak at this event. It will be an honour to join them and to demonstrate with them our support and solidarity against bigotry, discrimination and threats.”