MUSLIMS in Lancashire have held emergency talks to discuss security after a handful of mosques reported receiving hate mail in the wake of the terrorist attacks on America.

Lancashire Council of Mosques did not reveal where the letters had arrived but said most were just one sheet of paper with a few words.

In one instance, a letter was posted from North Wales to a mosque in the county with the words "Islamic scum."

Members of the council, which represents more than 70 of the 100 mosques in the county, held a meeting to discuss security as fears of a backlash against Muslims in response to the terrorist attacks in America grow.

Council secretary Abdul Hamid Qureshi, said Muslims were increasingly concerned for their safety. "We needed to discuss what kind of precautions we can take as there is a hate campaign of letters.

"Some shops have been attacked and there is a feeling of Islamic dislike which we must address.

"We are worried that people will think that Muslims are responsible for the attacks and think that we are all criminals as well. Many Muslims are very worried and very concerned

"There is a problem and that is a fact."

Mr Qureshi said that the community was also worried that if any military action in Afghanistan was prolonged, any anti-Muslim feeling would grow.

"Muslims are complaining that if any war goes on they are likely to be targeted.

"There is worry about all aspects of things at the moment. There is a lot of concern."

The news came as the Government announced this week it will widen the law on incitement to tackle religious as well as racial hatred to combat anti-Muslim hate crimes.