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A joint statement has been issued on behalf of religious groups in Exeter condemning an attack on Exeter Synagogue.

Tristan Morgan was sentenced at the Old Bailey in London on Friday. He was sent to hospital indefinitely.

The joint statment has been issued by:

Very Rev Johnathan Greener, Dean of Exeter Cathedral

Supt Matt Lawler, Local Police Commander

Cllr Amal Ghusain, Lead Councillor for Equalities, Diversity and Communities

Mr Richard Halsey, President Exeter Synagogue

Mr Hassan, Exeter Mosque



Exeter is a wonderful city, which has a long history of tolerance and support towards one-another, and all civic and faith partners remain committed to do whatever we can to ensure that continues. We must not be swayed from our core values of tolerance and respect for others, and this incredibly rare incident will not make us falter in this course.

We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community here in Exeter, and like every resident of the city and wider county of Devon, we were utterly appalled when this incident took place in July last year. It is important however to highlight and indeed celebrate how the community of Exeter came together to demonstrate the genuine positivity in our city.

Our collective response is something we can all be proud of; we live in a wonderful place that has always demonstrated tolerance and support to each other at times of need, and the whole Jewish community has expressed how sincerely it appreciates the support it has received from all faiths here in Exeter.

We know that all faiths, civic partners, businesses and local residents will continue to offer their support to Exeter Synagogue and we thank the Police for all their efforts in bringing the offender to justice.

Whatever your religion, everyone must feel safe to attend their place of worship, and we know that the city will continue to work with all faiths to encourage even greater tolerance and mutual respect.

Here in Exeter we are proud to stand as one big community, where we celebrate diversity, humanity, tolerance and respect for each other.