Kember urges 'building bridges'

Mr Kember thanked Muslims for their support

Former Iraqi captive Norman Kember has urged Londoners to strengthen the bridges between communities on the anniversary of the 7 July bombs.

He spoke to BBC London after making a guest appearance at the Islamexpo event at Alexandra Palace.

He said events such as the expo were a key in challenging misconceptions.

He said: "People are normally afraid because they don't know what other faiths are about... I hope the fear will turn to respect."

Thanks for support

He added: "Somehow or other we need to form relationships to bring out the good sides of people and not reinforce the violence that's within us all."

Mr Kember was held in Baghdad for four months before his rescue on 23 March. He had been captured by gunman with three colleagues while travelling in Iraq as a member of a peace mission.

American peace worker Tom Fox, 54, was killed weeks before Mr Kember and his two Canadian companions were rescued by British troops.

During his speech at the expo Mr Kember said: "The first thing I would like to do is to thank the Muslim community for the support they gave through prayer and vigils during the period of captivity for myself and the other three people."

Mr Kember and Muslim attendees observed the two minute silence held at noon, which remembered the 52 people killed in the four bomb attacks a year ago.