Inter-faith protest planned

THE Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is considering a plan for a national demonstration against the terrorists behind the London bombings.

Inter-faith protest planned

The inter-faith event, which has yet to be agreed, would involve marches in the capital and other cities across Britain.

A vigil organised by the Islamic Society of Britain with other church groups will take place in Manchester on Sunday, with a similar event scheduled for London at a future date, said MCB secretary general Iqbal Sacranie.

"We are working hand-in-hand with other faith communities. It is crucial our mission can only be successful if we are working with everyone else," he said.

"We are also aiming to organise a national vigil. That is something again being considered."

Meanwhile, police were continuing a crackdown on perpetrators of so-called racist "revenge" attacks following the London bombings.

Scotland Yard has vowed to deal "robustly" with the incidents, which have prompted concern in the Muslim community.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brian Paddick said there had been several apparent revenge attacks on ethnic groups in the capital since last Thursday.

Five people were arrested on suspicion of attempting to petrol bomb a Sikh temple in Belvedere, south-east London. They have since been bailed to return to a south London police station in mid-July pending further inquiries.

Incidents of arson and criminal damage have also been reported at mosques in Tower Hamlets and Merton both in London and Telford, Leeds, Bristol and Birkenhead.

An Asian man was killed in an apparent racist attack as he left a corner shop in Nottingham. Islamic groups fear the assault on Kamal Raza Butt was part of a backlash following the terrorist atrocities last week.

Six youths were being questioned by detectives over the murder but police said it was inappropriate to speculate on a motive for the killing.

"Londoners are not attacking each other. They are being united by this terrible tragedy and we need to make sure we all stick together," Mr Paddick said.

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