MUSLIMS have asked for extra security at a city mosque after the New Zealand terrorist attack.

Local worshippers fear that a far-right extremist could attempt a 'copycat' attack at the mosque in Tallow Hill, Worcester.

West Mercia Police has offered to step up patrols at the site, after a far-right extremist killed at least 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch last week.

Mohammed Iqbal, chairman of Worcester Muslim Welfare Association, which runs the Tallow Hill mosque, said: “Mosques are very vulnerable during the times of prayer and the recent terror attacks during Friday prayers in New Zealand have increased the fears in the community.

“We feel like an easy open target for any individual to walk in during prayers. Our biggest threat would be a copycat.

“We have been asked by some public members to increase security during prayer times on Fridays, which we are looking into. We have been offered extra patrols by the local police on Fridays.”

He added that the mosque received a grant from a government fund set up to boost security at places of worship, in 2017.

This money was spent on a range of security measures at the mosque, including CCTV cameras.

Mr Iqbal said: “Since having this extra security our vandalism has decreased. Our cameras have also helped with anti-social and suspicious behaviour.”

Allah Ditta, Deputy Mayor of Worcester, added that he thought local Muslims were more aware that 'anything could happen' in a mosque, following the New Zealand attack.

He said: "Anybody can walk through the door. A mosque is supposed to have its doors open five times a day, seven times a week.

"I think the concern is that there's lots of people coming from outside for Friday prayers. For normal prayers it's a handful of people, you know who they are."

The Muslim Council of Britain has urged the government to pay for security measures outside mosques, following the New Zealand attack.

West Mercia Police confirmed it had stepped up reassurance patrols since the shooting.