NAILSWORTH town councillor and practising Muslim Khurshid Akhtar condemned those who unleash terror in the name of Islam.

"My reaction to the bombing was no different to anyone else in this country. I condemn the attacks and my deepest sympathy goes out to the families and friends of all victims.

"It is not right to identify the people who did this as Muslims - they are just terrorists.

"Being religious and using religion are two different things. It is good to be a religious person whatever faith you follow but using religion in this way cannot be accepted.

"A bomb doesn't leave someone untouched just because they are Muslims. Victims are victims whether they believe in Islam or not.

"All true Muslims in the UK and abroad are condemning these activities and I really do not know how they can justify these acts in the name of Islam. It is beyond my understanding.

"What is the motive of political leaders in portraying those terrorists as 'Islamic'? There is no place for terrorism in Islam.

"Muslim communities are experiencing a backlash in various parts of the country. There is no difference between the people that commit those acts and the terrorists.

"The terrorists are trying to divide our country. We should be united in combating these kind of hateful activities."