REDDITCH'S MP has welcomed an increased police presence in Redditch following the weekend attack on Finsbury Park worshippers.

Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch County, has received reassurance from Redditch Police following the attack, which saw a man drive a van into worshippers close to Muslim Welfare House as they were gathered to help an elderly man who had collapsed.

He later died, but it is not clear if this was a result of the attack.

Nine other people were taken to hospital.

A 47-year-old man was held on suspicion of attempted murder and later further arrested over alleged terror offences.

Scotland Yard said he was being held on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism including murder and attempted murder.

The MP said she was keen to gain assurance for the safety of Redditch residents following the attack.

Mrs Maclean said: “I am of course appalled at events in Finsbury Park at the weekend and my thoughts go out to those affected.

"At the same time I have been assured by Redditch police chiefs that they are always working closely with community leaders and that nothing is causing concern at this time in Redditch.

“Police are patrolling in the areas in particular where we have communities where there might be concerns, but they are not aware of any heightened tensions.

“It is Ramadan at the moment, and Eid is coming up, and I am told by police they have agreed with community leaders what police intervention the community wants around mosques at this time.”