Militant 'attacked by moderates'

The leader of a militant Islamic group in Luton was "left half-dead" after he was attacked by fellow Muslims outraged by his fundamental outbursts, it emerged today.

Shahed, leader of the Al-Muhajiroun organisation in the town, who claims to command 50 members and 200 supporters, was ambushed by three "moderate" Muslims in the streets.

The 28-year-old said he was repeatedly punched and kicked following a public demonstration held in the wake of the deaths of two Luton men in a US bombing raid on Kabul, Afghanistan, where they had gone to fight for the Taliban.

"The three attackers were large men. They kept punching and kicking me," he said. "They nearly choked me to death. I was only saved by a barber who witnessed the attack. He turned me on my back and cleared my airways. They left me half-dead."

The assault occurred on Tuesday night, hours after Shahed and 10 supporters proclaimed in a noisy public demonstration that it was every Muslim's duty to fight for the Taliban. The group hailed Afzal Munir and Aftab Manzoor, both 25, who died alongside fellow Taliban volunteer Yasir Khan, from Crawley, as martyrs.

Community leaders have since vowed to drive Al-Muhajiroun from the streets of Luton. A statement from one of the town's mosques read: "Al-Muhajiroun have been warned in no uncertain terms that their activities will no longer be tolerated here. Muslims are sick and tired of their provocative remarks."

Moderates claim remarks by Al-Muhajiroun have escalated racial hatred in the town where 20,000 Muslims live and that people were living in fear of reprisals.

However, despite the attack, which left him "covered in cuts and bruises" and fearful of leaving his home, Shahed defiantly declared he will continue to preach the extremist group's views in Luton.

Meanwhile Scotland Yard has launched an investigation after comments made by a spokesman for Al-Muhajiroun on the Jimmy Young show prompted a flood of complaints.

More than 200 people complained to the BBC after Abdul Haq said in the Radio 2 interview: "We will continue to struggle and strive until we see the flag of Islam flying over 10 Downing street."

Numerous listeners subsequently bombarded the BBC with call and emails accusing the Muslim activist of "hypocrisy", while others contacted police, prompting the launch of an investigation into Mr Haq's comments.

Scotland Yard's involvement follows the Government's recent announcement that it would make laws on incitement to racial or religious hatred more stringent.

A police spokesman said: "We have received complaints. An investigation has been launched and we are in close consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service."