The Scottish Government has been asked to create a fund for security at places of worship following terror attacks on two mosques in New Zealand.

Labour MSP Anas Sarwar made the call following the shootings in Christchurch that left 50 people dead and dozens wounded.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, he said: "No one should have to fear for their own lives, especially within a mosque, a church, a synagogue or a gurdwara.

"There is a places of worship security funding scheme available in England and Wales, no such scheme exists in Scotland.

"Will the minister urgently consider this and commit the Government and agencies to work with all our faith communities to deliver it?"

In response, communities secretary Aileen Campbell said that, on a visit to the Glasgow Central Mosque, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had "committed to exploring what the Scottish Government could do to provide reassurances to all faith communities and their places and worship".

She added: "Police Scotland has stepped up reassurance patrols around mosques and increased engagement with all faith communities, giving advice on how people and places can stay safe in these troubling times."

Paying tribute to the victims and their families, Mr Sarwar urged people to tackle the "us versus them rhetoric, the sowing the seeds of hate and the bothering of our fellow citizens".

He added: "I'm sad to say that this tragic attack didn't surprise me and it probably didn't surprise Muslims across the UK and across the world."

He added: "This was a devastating and despicable act and let's be clear - it was the act of a terrorist.

"In the aftermath of this latest tragedy, it is important that we unite and work together to confront hatred in all its forms.

"This is not someone else's fight; don't leave it to anyone else. This is a fight for all of us."