TWO Darwen men who racially abused a Muslim takeaway worker on the day of the London bombings have publicly apologised for their "stupid" behaviour.

Speaking after they had appeared before Blackburn magistrates, Dean Fielding and Michael Lowry said they deeply regretted what had happened and asked for it to be treated as an isolated, drunken episode.

"We are not racists and many of our friends and workmates are from ethnic backgrounds," said Lowry. "The events in London last week wound everyone up and we had been drinking all day. What happened that night was wrong and we want to apologise to the man in the takeaway."

Dean Fielding said they were sorry for any distress caused.

"We behaved stupidly. It is the first time either of us have done anything like that and it will definitely be the last," said Mr Fielding.

"It was just down to the drink." Lowry, 32, of Ash Grove, Darwen, and Fielding, 35, of Holden Fold, Darwen, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening behaviour towards Tahir Akin. They were each fined £200 and ordered to pay £100 compensation and £35 costs.

Peter Wild, prosecuting, said the two defendants entered the Happy Haddock on Darwen Street, Blackburn, on the night of July 7. Mr Akin went to serve them but was questioned about his country of origin. He said he was not from Pakistan but from Turkey and the defendants then asked if he was a Muslim.

"They said they hated all Muslims and 'Pakis' and said they would kill them all," said Mr Wild. "They started abusing Mr Akin and when his brother joined him in the shop they asked if he had been responsible for the bombings in London."

Both men continued to be abusive even after the police arrived to arrest them.

Ian Holland, defending, said both men were of previous good character and both were in full-time employment.

"They are ashamed of their behaviour," said Mr Holland. "This was an isolated incident, totally out of character, fuelled by drink and against the background of what had happened that day."