A leader of Basildon's Muslim community has urged Tony Blair to stop his support for action against Iraq in the West's continuing "war on terrorism".

Ala Mohamad fears his 80-year-old mother and teenage nephew will be in grave danger if the bombs begin dropping on their homes in Baghdad.

Mr Mohamad, who has not returned home or seen his mother since he left Iraq in 1980, said: "Ninety nine per cent of people hate Saddam Hussain and what he has done to our country but I cannot support more bombings when I see what they did to Afghanistan."

His comments come as Muslim leaders in the town fear a new campaign by America, backed by Britain, could reignite anti-Muslim feelings which prompted a series of racist attacks in Southend, Basildon and across the UK in the wake of September 11.

Published Monday, March 4, 2002