MUSLIMS in Accrington have strongly condemned the suicide hijack terror attacks on the United States -- and their MP Greg Pope has passed their views on to the Prime Minister.

The Labour back bencher reassured Muslims at Higher Antley Street Mosque that the war against terrorism was not a war against Islam.

He was one of several senior MPs who met Prime Minister Tony Blair this week to be briefed on the international situation.

He pointed out that it was vital to make clear to the British Muslim community that it was terrorists and not their religion that was being targeted and to keep them fully in support of any action.

He also told Mr Blair it was important to thank and support Pakistan for its solidarity with the West in the wake of the attacks.

Now both mosques in Accrington -- Higher Antley Street and Grimshaw Street -- have written to Mr Pope telling him: "As British Muslims, living in Hyndburn, we feel we must join forces to combat terrorism, regardless of whatever form it may be existing in whether religious or otherwise.

"The events of September 11 shocked all Muslims in the local community and we condemn this behaviour."

The letters adds: "We, the British Muslims, share the grief of all the people around the world who lost their loved ones in this American tragedy."

Mr Pope said: "This is a really important statement and I was very pleased and moved to receive it. It makes very clear the revulsion and horror of Accrington's Muslim community at the despicable acts in New York. It makes it clear that killing of innocent people and suicide missions are both deeply un-Islamic acts."