France Intensifies Security Control At Religious Buildings After New Zealand Attack

French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner ordered on Friday as a precautionary measure to strengthen control over the security of religious institutions in France after the attack on mosques in New Zealand

PARIS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th March, 2019) French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner ordered on Friday as a precautionary measure to strengthen control over the security of religious institutions in France after the attack on mosques in New Zealand.

"As a precaution, I immediately urged our prefects to be extremely vigilant and asked them to strengthen their supervision over the places of worship in our country," Castaner said on Twitter.

On Friday, shooting occurred in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the shooting a terrorist act. A total of 49 people are believed to have been killed, while 39 were injured. Four people suspected of involvement in the attack were detained. One person was charged with murder.

Castaner also expressed solidarity with the people of New Zealand in connection with "this disgusting terrorist attack in Christchurch."

The UK Metropolitan Police also said that security measures and patrolling will be enhanced near mosques after shooting in New Zealand.

"Today we will be stepping up reassurance patrols around mosques and increasing engagement with communities of all faiths, giving advice on how people and places can protect themselves," National Policing lead for Counter Terrorism, Neil Basu said in a statement.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has tweeted his condolences to the victims of the attack, and confirmed that there will be "highly visible" and armed police around mosques in the UK capital on Friday.