A Golders Green mosque which was met with mounting opposition when it first opened, has expressed its condolences to synagogues following the Pittsburgh shooting where the suspect killed 11 people on Shabbat.

The Markaz Hippodrome mosque and Islamic centre, which serves the local Shia community, extended it condolences to Jewish people all around the world in a letter that began "Dear neighbours".

In a letter to synagogues in north west London, the mosque writes: “In light of the recent heinous attack in the city of Pittsburgh we would first like to extend our condolences to Jewish people all around the world.

“Secondly, we at Markaz and our congregation and all the Muslim community we represent stand firm with you in solidarity against hatred and evil.

“We stand with all those who believe that love is stronger than hatred.”

In 2017, an online petition against the plan for a mosque, in the Grade ll-listed Golders Green Hippodrome attracted almost 4,000 signatures.

Opponents cited concerns about congestion and noise, but some referred to possible tensions between Muslim worshippers and local Jews.

At the time, a prominent rabbi condemned the "threatening and misleading" language used by some opponents of plans for the mosque.

Rabbi Mark Goldsmith, the minister of Golders Green’s Alyth Reform congregation, said some of the claims made about the proposed Islamic centre were untrue and recalled the kind of hostility Jews faced when they first came to the area 90 years ago.

In its letter about Pittsburgh, the Markaz Hippodrome said it was important for faith communities to work together.

“When innocents are attacked in a synagogue, church or mosque it is an attack on us all.

“We hope that the Almighty showers his mercy upon those who have lost their lives and protect all of the innocents worldwide.”

The mosque said it hoped to be able to “support everyone within the Golders Green community in the future.”