Communities to fight extremism

Faith groups across Luton have condemned the bombings

Community leaders are meeting in Luton to discuss how to combat extremism following the London bomb attacks.

Muslims, Christians and other faith groups in the town were quick to condemn the bombings and now they are looking at ways to combat this threat.

Luton, which has a large Muslim community, has also been hit by racist attacks and propaganda.

The meeting on Saturday evening has been organised by Waheed Akbar, a former mayor of Luton.

Those invited include Pakistan High Commissioner in the UK Dr Maleeha Lodhi, Luton South MP Margaret Moran and former leader of Luton Council Lord McKenzie of Luton.

Public meeting

It will also include representatives of the faith communities in the town and young Muslims.

Councillor Akbar told the BBC that he hoped the meeting would help focus attention on fighting against extremism.

"It is about working together, we should be more pro-active. I think the Muslim community feel defensive, but they should not feel like that," he said.

Local Luton Muslims announced last week that they will be holding a public meeting this Sunday at 1430 at the Westbourne Road Mosque to show solidarity with the victims of the terrorist bombings in London.

They will also be asking for any members of their own community that have any information regarding the bombers, to contact the police.