Terror attacks in the name of religion are an 'affront to faith', say 24 UK faith leaders.

In an open letter calling for unity and understanding following recent terrorist attacks, the leaders including Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews and Sikhs describe the attacks in Westminster, St Petersburg, Stockholm and Egypt as 'barbaric acts of senseless violence'. The letter was released before last night's Paris attack.

They say: 'Now more than ever faith groups are uniting in the face of those who would wish to sow fear and spread mistrust between the people of this country.

'These attacks seek to divide us, and together we must show them that they will never succeed.

'Instead of voices being raised in anger, we will continue to be calm and resolute.

'Instead of responding with violence we will continue to show respect for others and love.

'And instead of hatred we will continue to show that the British people are defined by the tolerance and respect that we have seen in abundance over the last few weeks, and that symbolises this country at its best.

'We will continue to echo the positive voices of people and communities the length and breadth of Britain, with harmony, peace and unity.'

The signatories were invited to attend a meeting at New Scotland Yard the day after the terror attack in Westminster, where they met with Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

Among the Christian signatories were Rt Revs Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark and Adrian Newman, Bishop of Stepney, Rev Tony Miles, deputy superintendent of Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, Rev Eustace Constance, operations director of the Ascension Trust, and Rt Rev John Wilson, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster.