"WORCESTER will stay united and diverse" is the message from the city's residents as they back the city's Muslim community. 

It comes after Worcester Mosque issued safety advice to residents amid rising concerns within its community over the far-right riots happening across the UK.

No reported incidents have occurred in the city but Worcester Muslim Welfare Association said this has not stopped residents from being concerned about their safety.

RECOMMENDED READING: Worcester's Muslims warned not to walk alone amid rising far-right tension and riots

Worcester News readers have shared their support for the city's Muslim and ethnic minority communities and have shared the message that hate is not welcome here.

One reader, Trudy Gormley, said: "Worcester will stay united and diverse.

"We will stand together against anything set upon us to divide us.

"Leave the Muslim community alone."

Lee-Marie Brough offered any of her Muslim colleagues at Worcestershire Royal Hospital a lift to work if they felt unsafe.

Worcester BID's Safer Streets team has also been working with businesses in the city centre to make sure staff feel safe.

A spokesperson said: "With everything we have been seeing in the news recently, there has been a build-up of fear and upset within the community.

"The city streets are busy with penguin patrollers, and our young people are beginning to feel concerned.

"They are starting to understand the world around them and see that it is not as rosy as hoped. This saddens me.

"My question to you, the business owners, city employees, visitors, and residents: Have you considered what you would do?

"How would you protect yourself, your staff, your business?

"Our Safer Streets team are visiting businesses this week, asking these exact questions and supporting by providing recommendations to help make you feel safer in your place of work, and your city."

West Mercia Police is also taking steps to reassure communities during national unrest across the country.

It said that

Chief Superintendent Edd Williams said despite there being no violent disorder in Worcestershire, it understands local communities will be worried.

“The public can and should be confident that we are working hard to keep our communities safe.

“We do not underestimate the fear and worry the violence in other parts of the country has caused and know these groups do not speak for our communities.   

“We are proud of the strong community cohesion and will stand together with our communities against those who look to disrupt this.”