Met head bids to reassure Muslims

Sir Ian said they must work together publicly and positively

The Metropolitan Police chief has met leaders of Britain's Muslim community to try to reassure them in the wake of the London bombings.

Sir Ian Blair told a summit the only way to fight terrorism was for police officers to work with the community.

The Met's shoot-to-kill policy was a major concern following the shooting of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes who was mistaken for a suicide bomber.

Sir Ian said differences must be set aside so they could work together.

Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, the Met's highest ranking Asian officer, chaired Monday's meeting at Scotland Yard.

He said: "Sir Ian gave reassurance to the community.

"He gave a rundown of what has been happening and reiterated what he has stated publicly about the difficulties we face and the pressure we are under.

"He asked the community to set aside any differences there may be and to publicly and positively work with us."

The community is very fearful Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Muslim Council of Britain

Sir Ian also told the Muslim leaders that the police were working hard to ensure the safety of their community.

The police are hoping this will be the start of community-led intelligence to help them defeat the terrorists.

After the meeting Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, deputy secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "We raised the issue (shoot-to-kill).

"He (Sir Ian) said this action should continue.

"The community is very fearful, it will not help."

But he said that the meeting "went well and it was very good" to have the chance to discuss its concerns.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone is to meet leading figures from London's Muslim community at City Hall on Tuesday.