06/06/2006

Muslim leader comments on terror raid

The new leader of the Muslim Council of Britain has warned that trust between Muslims and the police could be damaged following a raid by anti-terrorist police in east London.

During a visit to Forest Gate, where the raid took place, Dr Muhammed Abdul Bari said: "People want to know what exactly happened and about the intelligence - is it genuine information, is it flawed?

"Trust could be an issue. Trust could break down if things are not clarified."

Mohammed Abdul Kahar, 23, and his brother Abul Koyair, 20, were arrested following a raid, carried out to search for a suspected chemical device, at their house in Forest Gate last Friday. During the raid, Mr Kayar was shot in the shoulder and was treated in hospital before being transferred to Paddington Green police station.

There has been much speculation surrounding the circumstances of the shooting. The Metropolitan Police have not confirmed that they fired the shot, nor confirmed that a warning was given.

A spokesperson said that it was "inappropriate" for them to comment when the incident was being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

'The Times' reported claims that an officer had denied deliberately firing a shot, but said that his gun had gone off during a struggle.

Mr Kahar's solicitor, Kate Roxburgh, dismissed claims that he had been shot by his brother as "absolute nonsense" on Monday.

Both men were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. They have denied the charges.

Police are continuing to question both men at Paddington Green police station in central London.

Scotland Yard said that they had received "specific intelligence" about the address and had "no choice" but to carry out the raid.

The search is continuing at the house in Forest Gate and police said that it could continue to the end of the week.

No chemical devices have been found so far.

The shooting is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

(KMcA/GB)

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