Islamic centre condemns attack

One of Dundee’s most prominent Islamic centres has condemned the people behind Mondays night’s suicide attack in Manchester.

The Scottish Islamic & Culture Centre issued a statement yesterday in which Mr Mahmud Sarwar Ratho, trustee for the centre on Dura Street, said: “We are standing shoulder to shoulder with those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. “I am going to cry for them. “This is a sad day for all of us living in Britain and for the whole world too.

“We at Scottish Islamic Cultural Society strongly condemn all acts of terrorism and whoever has done this.

“The masterminds are sick people.”

The explosion at Manchester Arena happened as fans began heading to the exits after an Ariana Grande concert.

Mr Ratho added that the attack has “nothing to do with the Muslim community”.

“So many times before we have condemned them,” he said.

“They have no right to play with the lives of innocent people.

“They don’t deserve to live in the community and must be put behind bars. They have made the world ugly.

“We are a peace-loving community in Dundee and we work very hard to build a peaceful community in the city.

“We hope that the British Government catch whoever is responsible and bring them to justice.”