Religious leaders condemn bombing

Mr Reilly suffered facial injuries in the blast

Two weeks after an explosion at an Exeter restaurant religious leaders from the region have issued a joint statement condemning violence.

Nicky Reilly, who is 22 and from Plymouth, is accused of attempting to detonate bombs in the Giraffe restaurant in the city.

Mr Reilly has been charged with three offences in connection with the incident on 22 May.

He was remanded in custody when he appeared in court on Wednesday.

Mr Reilly, who converted to Islam five years ago and also uses the name Mohammed Abdulaziz Rashid Saeed-Alim, appeared before a magistrate at City of Westminster Magistrates Court in London.

We condemn all expressions of hatred and fear - it is essential that we all stand together Devon religious leaders' joint statement

Christian and Islamic leaders from Devon said they were "very dismayed" by the incident.

"We unreservedly condemn all expressions of hatred and fear of our fellow humans, and emphasise our common humanity before God.

It is essential that we all stand together against those who seek to harm the lives of any people and fragment our shared society.

It is all too easy to stereotype people who are different and seek to portray them as objects to be feared rather than humans to be loved."

Court appearance

The statement was issued by leaders from the Islamic Centre of the South West, the Anglican bishops of Exeter and Plymouth and ministers from the Methodist and United Reformed Churches.

The charges against Mr Reilly cover conduct in preparation for committing acts of terrorism, possession of an explosive substance with intent and possession of explosives.

He was injured when a device exploded at the city centre restaurant and he was arrested in hospital several hours later.

Further details contained in court charge documents revealed Mr Reilly is accused of assembling the failed bomb in the toilet of the Giraffe restaurant and of intending to detonate it in the dining area.

District Judge Timothy Workman remanded him in custody to reappear at the Old Bailey on 20 June. There was no application for bail.

Two further men remain in police custody in connection with the investigation.