The statement was signed by the IFN's co-chairs and vice chairs, and expresses the member bodies' 'shock and sadness' at events, saying that 'such acts of violence and terror have no place in our society'.

It also highlights statements from national Muslim bodies which have stressed the act's 'lack of connection to and complete contradiction of the teachings of Islam'. It notes that there have been attacks on mosques, and says thoughts and prayers are with any 'whose places of worship or personal safety are affected'.

Finally it states that in the wake of this 'terrible attack', 'all who share a commitment to a peaceful, safe and just society have a vital role to play in strengthening community bonds and working for greater understanding and mutual support at times of difficulty.'

The IFN aims to help create good inter faith relations, and unites representatives bodies from the major faith communities; national inter faith organisations; local inter faith groups; academic institutions and bodies concerned with multi faith education.

On its Facebook page, BUGB said it was 'delighted to be identified' with the IFN statement.

This statement in full:

We learned with deep shock and great sadness of the murder of a young member of the armed forces in Woolwich yesterday afternoon. Such acts of violence and terror have no place in our society. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim's family.

The attackers linked their actions with the religion of Islam.  Statements from major national Muslim bodies have, in the ensuing hours, condemned the act in the strongest terms and stressed its lack of connection to - and complete contradiction of - teachings of Islam.   Even so, there have been attacks on two mosques over the course of the last 24 hours and concerns expressed about the possibility of further attack.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with any whose places of worship or personal safety are affected.

In the wake of this terrible attack, all who share a commitment to a peaceful, safe and just society have a vital role to play in strengthening community bonds and working for greater understanding and mutual support at times of difficulty.

Dr Manazir Ahsan MBE (Co-Chair)
The Revd Bob Fyffe (Co-Chair)
Dr Girdari Lal Bhan (Vice-Chair)
Mr Mohinder Singh Chana (Vice-Chair)
Mr Dorab Mistry (Vice-Chair)
Mr Vivian Wineman (Vice-Chair)