AN organisation which aims to bring Blackburn's faiths together today appealed for people not to let the atrocities in America affect the town's good inter-community relationships.

The Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Council spoke out after several incidents of 'revenge' attacks on Muslim communities were widely reported.

In one incident, a mosque in Bolton was set on fire while in London, members of Afghan communities have been targeted for physical attacks.

Police in Bolton say they believe the attack on the mosque was committed as a result of the hijackings in America.

Coun Salim Mulla, chairman of the Interfaith Council, today appealed for the communities within Blackburn to pull together rather than divide.

He said: "We, the faith communities of Blackburn with Darwen are deeply shocked at the recent atrocities that have taken place in the United States.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the innocent victims and their families, who have been affected by this tragedy.

"We share in everyone's grief and hope these violent acts, which are a crime against humanity, do not undermine the positive and trusting relationships that exist between people of different faiths locally and around the world."

He added: "We have not seen any crimes as a result of what happened in America around here yet, and we hope it stays that way."

The inter-faith group has been going for just over a year and has members representing the Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh add Jewish faiths.

As a mark of respect, a multi-faith prayer ceremony is being organised on a date to be arranged.