Failed bomb attacks 'hurt Islam'

The failed bomb attacks on London and Glasgow have damaged public perceptions of Islam, a survey has suggested.

An opinion poll shows that 71% of people questioned thought the abortive attacks gave Islam a bad name.

The research was carried out for the religious research organisation Theos and saw 1,000 people questioned.

Iraqi doctor Bilal Abdullah, 27, has been charged in connection with the car bomb attempts in London and the attack on Glasgow airport.

Mr Abdullah is accused of conspiring to cause explosions in the UK and was arrested after a Jeep was driven into Glasgow airport's terminal building.

The attack happened a day after two cars containing petrol, gas cylinders and nails were found in central London.

More than half of the respondents in the survey believed that the reputation of religion in general had been damaged as a result of the incidents.

The BBC's religious affairs correspondent, Robert Pigott, said the findings come despite efforts by the government to break any perceived link between attackers it has described as criminals and the religion they claim to represent.