A group of Muslims in London has managed to break its fundraising target in support of victims and their families 24 hours after the devastating terror attack in Westminster.

Started by a group known as ‘Muslims United for London’, member Muddassar Ahmed is one of several to have launched the successful campaign which is currently at £11,500.

He said: “I’m a lifelong Londoner. I happened to be in Parliament during these horrific attacks and it was a profoundly moving experience.

“I can’t even imagine the impact this will have on the victims and their families.”

The group said in a collective statement: “The British Muslim community stands with the community during these difficult times and extends their support in raising funds to help with the immediate, short-term needs of the families of Keith Palmer, the other victims, and the families of the victims.

“While no amount of money will bring back lives lost or take away from the pain the victims and their families are going through, we hope to lessen their burden in some way.”

Although the campaign is Muslim-led, the group added: “We welcome our friends of other faiths to also contribute.

“We ask British Muslims, mosques, Imams, leaders, and groups to endorse and promote this initiative.”

The campaign is part of wider JustGiving efforts which have raised tens of thousands more, including one from the Metropolitan Police Federation.

The developments come a day after the heart of London was forced into lockdown on after a man, armed with two large knives, jumped out of a car after smashing it into the railings encircling the Palace of Westminster.

He then fatally stabbed PC Keith Palmer, 48, as he entered the grounds before being shot dead moments later by another police officer.

Four people died - PC Palmer, 48, the attacker, a woman in her mid-40s, and a man in his mid-50s.

Authorities said the attacker was “inspired by international terrorism.”

So far, eight people have been arrested and six addresses raided across London, Birmingham, and elsewhere.