Muslims protest over terror raid

Demonstrators make their views clear in Forest Gate

Around 100 people have protested about an anti-terror raid in east London a week ago, claiming it was symptomatic of oppression of the Islamic community.

Earlier the sister of two brothers held in connection with an alleged terror plot criticised the police's "barbaric and horrific actions".

Humeya Kalam's brothers, Mohammed Abdulkahar, 23, and Abul Koyair, 20, were arrested in Forest Gate last week.

They both denied the allegations and were freed without charge on Friday.

Ms Kalam backed a separate "peaceful" protest being staged in Plashet Park on Sunday over the arrests.

At Friday's demonstration outside Forest Gate police station protesters chanted: "British police go to hell" and "Tony Blair murderer" and waved plaques condemning the police and the government.

Protest organiser Anjem Choudary said: "When you start to violate the sanctity of Muslims and their homes, and handle their mothers and fathers then there is going to be some kind of backlash."

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Ian Blair, has defended the raid.

In an interview with BBC News Sir Ian said the police had taken action on behalf of all communities in the fight against terror.

He said: "This is not a police force on behalf of one community against another. We're all in danger of terrorism together."

Mohammed Abdulkahar was shot during the raid

Scotland Yard Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman said he regretted the disruption caused to the community in east London but that police had to act on intelligence received.

Mr Hayman said they would continue "to try and bottom it out" and indicated police would meet the local community to reflect on their tactics.

Family statement

Ms Kalam's comments mark the first time the family have spoken since the raid, in which Mr Abdulkahar was shot.

In a statement, issued by Ms Kalam on behalf of her family, she said: "On the morning of Friday 2 June 2006, my family were awakened by what can only be described as barbaric and horrific actions taken against an innocent family."

She also thanked "each and everyone in the community for their tremendous support".