WE the Muslim community are shocked to hear that a British clergyman has been murdered in the Philippines.

Pastor David Brash, 62, a Baptist minister from Warrington, Cheshire, was killed by hitmen. It has been said by a news agency that his Filipino wife hired hitmen.

Analyn Batalyer Brash, 23, is now in police custody and is to be charged.

Mr Brash, a father-of-two, ran the Runcorn Independent Baptist Church in Cheshire for 12 years, but left Britain to begin a new life with his wife, who he married last year.

This is tragic and very sad news for all the faith community that a minister, who worked hard to raise the awareness of God, has been killed.

The Muslim community sends their condolences to the close family and friends.

COUNCILLOR SALIM MULLA, Lancashire Council of Mosques.