THE reverend of St John's Church is urging Bromsgrove residents to 'show solidarity' in the wake of Westminster's terror attack.

 

Rev Rayman Khan is inviting those who wish to 'be still, remember and pray for London and our country' to join him at the Kidderminster Road church, after Westminster attacker Khalid Masood killed four people in an 82-second rampage last week.

 

The 52-year-old was shot dead by police after fatally stabbing PC Keith Palmer in the forecourt of Westminster Palace.

 

Rev Khan, who was born in London, said: "I think that the most important thing is that we should carry on living life without fear. As soon as we change the way we live out of fear because of what happened in London, the terrorists have won.

 

"The best way is to carry on and to actually ensure that we maintain bonds of friendship with all those in our community. That's the way to defeat them."

 

Rev Khan said he has already been contacted by members of the Muslim community in Bromsgrove, seeking solidarity in the aftermath of Wednesday's attack.

 

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid was at his office in Westminster when the attack took place.

 

He said: "My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of this horrific terrorist attack. I want to pay tribute to the brave police officer who lost his life protecting us and our democracy. The calmness and professionalism of the emergency services under pressure was remarkable.

 

"Any attempt to defeat the values of liberty, democracy and freedom of speech through violence and terror will always fail."

 

Inquests into the death of Masood and his victims are set to open this Wednesday.