MUSLIM leaders have been shown how to avoid Keighley mosques being targeted for hate crimes.

More than 20 leaders took part in Security for Mosques training to make their places of worship safer.

The day-long programme, delivered by a security expert, was held at Keighley Jamia Masjid in Emily Street and was organised by Mohammed Nazam of Keighley Muslim Association.

Leaders learned about securing their premises in the light of a rise in recent attacks on places of worship, particularly mosques, following the shootings in Christchurch in New Zealand.

The programme highlighted the need for a better collaboration between mosques and organisations such as the police, fire services and Bradford Council to help them to protect their mosques.

Keighley’s mosques were also encouraged to apply for the Places of Worship Protective Security Funding Scheme, which is open for applications until August 30 this year.

The Home Office has made it easier for places of worship and associated faith community centres to apply. This includes removing the need for applicants to find their own quotes for security measures – instead applicants will benefit from a central supplier for assessments, quotes and installation.

In addition the scheme now includes faith community centres, and the eligibility criteria has been broadened so that applicants no longer need to show they have already experienced hate crime.

Instead the test will be vulnerability to hate crime.

Mr Nizam said: “In the training we explored all practical help and advice on protection of public buildings and the safety of worshipers and visitors.

“We explored working closely with personnel from the emergency services to include, police, ambulance and fire, as well as Bradford Council's emergency planning.

“We were also given advice and guidance on funding for faith institutions available from the Home Office, and an overview of organisations involved in reporting of hate crime.”

Two shooting attacks were carried out at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, during Friday Prayer on March 15.

The gunman, described as a white supremacist from Australia, live-streamed the first attack on Facebook Live. The twin attacks killed 51 people and injured 49.