Statements by Faith Leaders in Portsmouth:

WEDNESDAY 13 JULY:

"We are deeply saddened to discover that those who perpetrated this evil on innocent victims may be British people who claim to have faith. Anyone who takes their own lives and the lives of others in this brutal way cannot truly be a person of faith.

"We ask people to remember that British Muslims are peaceful, respectful citizens of this country. Reprisals against innocent Muslims would be a huge mistake: anything that divided Christian and Muslim, or those of faith and those without faith from each other would be playing into the hands of the terrorists themselves."

Bishop Kenneth Stevenson, Anglican Bishop of Portsmouth.

Bishop Crispian Hollis, Roman Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth

Mr Muhammed Badru Zaman, Representing Portsmouth and SE Hampshire Muslim Community also on behalf of Portsmouth Jami Mosque.

Mr Taki Jaffer, representing Wessex Jamaat

THURSDAY 7 JULY:

"As people of faith in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire, including Christians, Muslims, and other faiths, we express our deepest condolences to the victims of the appalling tragedy that occurred today in London. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their lives or been injured in those senseless and inhuman acts as well as their families and friends.

"We are united in condemning those who have perpetrated this evil upon innocent victims and in condemning terrorism in all its forms which cannot be condoned by those who truly follow the traditions of our religions.

"We ask people to thwart the actions of the terrorists by promoting peace and tolerance between peoples of all faiths and none, rather than by using violence or unthinking condemnation that can afflict other innocent victims.

"Moreover we renew our commitment to the ways of peace, justice and tolerance, which we regard as central to religious life and faith."

Bishop Kenneth Stevenson, Anglican Bishop of Portsmouth.

Bishop Crispian Hollis, Roman Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth

Mr Muhammed Badru Zaman, Representing Portsmouth and SE Hampshire Muslim Community also on behalf of Portsmouth Jami Mosque.

Mr Taki Jaffer, representing Wessex Jamaat