Muslim community leaders speak out against ‘barbaric murderers’

Dundee’s Ahmadiyya Community say they will stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone in the UK to defeat extremism.

The group, who operate a church on Dundee’s Dens Road, “unequivocally” condemned the barbaric attacks which left dozens dead in Manchester and London.

Dundee Ahmadiyya President Shoaib Khan described the attacks as “vile criminal acts”.

Shoaib said: “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms Saturday’s terrorist attack in London.

“We express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and pray for a full and speedy recovery of those injured.

“We also commend the excellent work of emergency services, who responded in a matter of minutes. We are proud of them.”

Meanwhile, the chairman of Dundee Islamic Society Bashir Chohan has branded the London attackers as “mindless and barbaric”.

Mr Chohan said 400 members of Dundee’s Muslim community attended the city’s central mosque on Sunday night to say prayers for the victims.

He said: “These murderous, barbaric people have attacked the peace-loving and innocent community of London.

“These terrorists will not divide our communities.

“We urge all the community to be vigilant and if they see anybody acting suspiciously please report it to the authorities.”

Mr Chohan added: “There are over four million Muslims in the UK but these are just mindless nutters.”

Mr Chohan will join Dundee’s civic leaders at a minute’s silence in City Square today, at 11am.

We also commend the excellent work of emergency services ... we are proud of them. BASHIR CHOHAN