LEADERS of Kent’s Muslim community have met with representatives from Kent Police, councils and other organisations to discuss community issues following the London bombings.

The first meeting of the Kent Muslim Safety Forum on Thursday looked at ways to counter extremist threats to the community and respond to the needs of Muslims in the county.

The meeting, requested by the Muslim community following the London attacks, involved Kent Police, Kent County Council, Medway Council, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Racial Equality Councils of North Kent and Medway.

Supt Steve Corbishley, chair of Kent Police’s Religion and Beliefs Action Group, said: "It is important that Kent Police and its partners are prepared to deal with the effects of terrorist incidents on our community.

"We already have excellent links with the Muslim community in Kent. This forum will provide a valuable opportunity to explore how we can prevent or identify extremist threats within our communities, while reassuring Kent Muslims by addressing their fears both about acts of terrorism and hate crime.

"It is important that we respond to the needs of all faith communities who may be affected by current events and Kent Police is involved in a wide range of activities to consult and work with community representatives throughout the county."

Ikram Ali, chair of the Kent Muslim Safety Forum, said: "It is important, if we are to meet the challenge of this unique terror in our lives, that Kent’s Muslim community has strong links with Kent Police and the other agencies working for safety in our community.

"Our county is not only strategically important in combating terrorism in our region and nationally, but it is also a modern, diverse and tolerant county where we all share a determination to ensure that no evil force destroys the way of life we all share and value."