The deaths of hundreds of people in a series of bombings in Sri Lanka has provoked outrage and heartbreak across London, as it has the world.

In total, eight blasts were reported on Easter Sunday (April 21) at luxury hotels and churches, with police confirming at least 290 died and almost 500 more were injured.

However, a statement by Sadiq Khan, where he expressed his sympathy to those affected, was slated by some Londoners on social media, who accused the Mayor of London of not demonstrating sufficient concern for the city's Christians.

They called for him to provide extra police patrols at churches as he did for mosques following the recent attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand .

(Image: PA)

Mayor Khan tweeted: "Devastating news of horrific attacks in Sri Lanka where innocent people have been murdered and churches targeted during Easter services.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the loved ones of those who have lost their lives."

Other London politicians were also quick to offer their condolences, including Boris Johnson and Dianne Abbott.

And Hampstead and Kilburn MP Tulip Siddiq tweeted: "I lost a relative today in the Sri Lanka attacks. It’s all so devastating. Hope everyone is keeping safe. Solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka."

However, Mayor Khan's response was quickly picked apart.

LBC reporter Maajid Nawaz argued there was a "strange difference in tone" between condemnations of the New Zealand attacks and those against Christians in Sri Lanka.

He tweeted: "Note the absence of words 'terrorism' & 'Christianity'. This Muslim stands with persecuted Christians globally & all minorities everywhere."

And one Londoner asked: "Is there going to be police protection at all churches across the capital or is that only reserved for mosques?"

On Twitter after the Christchurch attacks, the Mayor of London said: "Heartbreaking news from New Zealand this morning where innocent people have been murdered because of their faith.

"London stands with the people of Christchurch in the face of this horrific terror attack. London will always celebrate the diversity that some seek to destroy.

"I want to reassure the Muslim communities in London. I have been in touch with the Met Police.

"There will be highly visible policing around mosques today (March 15), as well as armed response officers, as Londoners go to pray."

Others, however, expressed their disbelief that the mayor was being criticised for offering his condolences and pointed out that Christians were in less need of protection in London, due to not being a minority in the city.

One Londoner wrote: "Sadiq Khan has merely expressed his condolences. Some of the comments on here are unbelievable."

Explaining why an identical response wasn't necessary, another Twitter user wrote: "There hasn't been an attack on a church here in the UK in living memory. What there has been is a massive increase in racist hate crimes against non-Christians."

And another wrote: "Churches in the West are not under attack. Sri Lanka is not quite New Zealand for the same comparison. People here are safe thank goodness."

Eight British nationals were among the 290 killed in the attacks in Sri Lanka, according to the Mirror.

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