Wave of revulsion at Bigley's execution

Ken Bigley’s execution has triggered a wave of revulsion.

A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain, which sent a delegation to Iraq last month to try and win Mr Bigley’s release, said: “We are appalled and profoundly saddened by the cold-blooded murder of Kenneth Bigley after a protracted period of mental torture and anguish.

“We offer our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family who have gone through the most dreadful experiences.

“Throughout this terrible ordeal, we have kept close contact with the family.”

The Council’s general secretary Iqbal Sacranie said: “There is absolutely no justification for the killing of this defenceless individual.

“This is a deed which is deeply repugnant and utterly reprehensible.

“We unequivocally condemn it and hope his murderers are brought to justice quickly.”

He added the action was “completely and utterly rejected” by the vast majority of the Muslim community.

Akbar Ali, a Muslim leader in Liverpool who had appealed for the release of Mr Bigley, said: "I think I can speak on behalf of all Muslims. We are very sad, we were all hoping he would be reprieved and representations had been made.

“This group are very, very ruthless people without aims or objectives, just trying to show the world how cruel and mindless they can be. They are giving a very, very negative picture of Islam.”

Mr Ali said he did not fear a backlash against Muslims despite the fate of Mr Bigley.

“That little bit of shadow is always there but on the whole we are all sensible enough and we have been working together to understand what’s going on in the Middle East, so there are no immediate fears.”