Bishop says Leicester explosion should dispel terrorism myths

Bishop Martyn’s comments come after several people took to social media on Sunday assuming that the deadly explosion in a convenience store was a terror attack.

While the cause of the incident has not yet been determined, police have said it is not terror-linked.

 

Bishop Martyn told Premier, while it’s not surprising people assumed it was a terror attack because of what the UK has faced in the past few years, people should avoid jumping to conclusions.

He said: “The reality here in Leicester is we are one of the most diverse cities in the UK, and I would say one of the most socially cohesive cities in the country as well.

“We have extraordinarily good relationships between different faith communities and cultural groups.

“Where this explosion happened is one of the most diverse parts of the city. I think people will see for themselves just how the community responds and just how people draw together in light of this tragedy and I hope that will go some way to dispel myths that terrorism is associated with any particular community.”

 

He added that instead of making divisive comments on social media, people should focus “on what unites us at this moment in time and particularly in the events of this sort of tragedy”.

Five people were killed in the explosion at the building which also had a two-storey flat.

Four other people remain in hospital, one with serious injuries.

 

Police also believe there may still be people unaccounted for after the incident, and emergency crews are continuing a “search and rescue” operation at the site on Hinckley Road.

Bishop Martyn asked people to “pray for their families, for their friends, for the shock and the grief they will experience at this time, and pray that they know they are held in God’s love”.

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Rt Rev Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester said the deadly explosion in the city should dispel myths that terrorism is associated with any particular community.