The Imam of Canterbury mosque says he is grateful for the many messages of support after being targeted by a hate-filled letter containing a white powder.

Although the powder turned out to be harmless, the typed message opened by Ihsan Khan yesterday threatened a violent attack on the mosque.

It sparked a major police emergency to the building in Giles Lane which was sealed off.

Speaking for the first time since the incident, Mr Khan said Muslim community in Canterbury would "not respond to hate with hate".

"This is the first time our mosque has suffered anything like this but I am aware of others up and down the country which have been threatened, " he said.

"To be honest, we just didn't expect it because Canterbury is such a peaceful area and we have very good relationships with the local community."

The Canterbury mosque was one of three similarly targeted in Kent, including Maidstone and Gravesend.

The letter showed a weapon being pointed and the words Bang! You're Dead!

Mr Khan said: "To be honest, I thought the powder was something like salt at first but the police said we can't take any risks and I co-operated fully with them.

"They were extremely professional and dealt with it in the best way possible for which I thank them and we are grateful for all the messages of support we have received.

"I would like to think it is not anyone local but until the police do know something, I don't think we can blame or accuse any certain areas.

"We have had had support from the Crime Commissioner and the local MP as well as local residents and it's nice that people are thinking of us.

"We won't let it affect our daily lives and I have notified every that the mosque is back to normal again and that we shouldn't be alarmed and behave as we usually do and not respond to hate with hate. That's the main message."

Mr Khan said police would be coming to the mosque after prayers on Friday to reassure the community.