SOUTH Wales Police are working closely with the Metropolitan Police in the wake of last night's attack on worshippers at a London mosque in which one person died.

The van used in the attack was hired in from Pontyclun Van Hire, a firm based in the town near Bridgend.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns: “I have this morning spoken to the Chief Constable of South Wales Police, Mr Peter Vaughan. He has assured me that his team is fully engaged and working in partnership with the London Metropolitan Police as the investigation into the abhorrent attack at Finsbury Park gets underway.

"I am working closely with colleagues across Whitehall and receiving regular updates. It is crucial that the authorities are now given the time and the space to conduct these important enquires.  My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected today.”

Muslim leaders in Wales reacted with horror to the attack at a mosque in London overnight.

A statement issued by the Muslim Council of Wales said they were: "horrified" by the news of the attack on Muslim worshippers on Sunday evening and that their prayers were with the victims.

Referring to the fact that the van used in the attack was hired in Wales, the statement added: "It is even more horrific that there is a potential Welsh link with the attacker. We trust the authorities and police investigation, and await further information."

The council hoped that the attack was "an opportunity for communities to come together, as our nation has done with terror attacks in the past, and with the Grenfell disaster.

"Unfortunately, so long as Muslims are held collectively guilty for terror attacks committed by those with a Muslim identity, then Islamophobic violence against Muslims will remain common. The responsibility is on politicians and the media to discuss all cases of terrorism with care and diligence."

The statement reminded people of the legacy of Jo Cox, the MP who was mudered a year ago by an extremist. "One year ago Jo Cox was assassinated on the street. This weekend was declared by the Jo Cox Foundation as a moment to celebrate her legacy - that we have more in common than divides us. We urge all to remember her message today."

Commenting on the attack in Finsbury Park, Gwent AM Mohammad Asghar said:

“Once again we have woken to the news of another shocking terrorist attack on innocent people in one of our major cities.”

“These attacks, wherever they originate from, are designed to divide communities that have lived together peacefully for generations.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and our gratitude goes to our emergency services who have responded heroically.”

“The perpetrators of such evil attacks must never be allowed to prevail.”