The Somali community has been part and parcel of Britain since 1894. We are a peaceful and law-abiding community who find good hospitality here in Britain. Exchanging hospitality is an important part of being a Somali.

As Muslims, we believe that "Anyone who saves one life, it is as if he has saved the whole of mankind and anyone who has killed another person ... it is as if he has killed the whole of mankind." We do not tolerate, or accept, that there is any legitimate excuse or reason for innocent people being killed or injured.

 We are deeply concerned that recent arrests relating to acts of terrorism appear to involve people from the Somali Community. The individuals who carried out these atrocities do not represent the values or beliefs of our community.

 We resist all attempts to associate our community with these hateful acts. In the present uncertainties, we look to all community leaders to give an example of wisdom, tolerance and compassion."

The architects of these atrocities tried to instil fear and divide the communities on issues relating to our common humanity. No good purpose can be achieved by such an indiscriminate and cruel use of terror and this has nothing to do with our Islamic faith. We the Somali community strongly condemn such barbaric acts.

These despicable acts will not destroy the bonds of   friendship, tolerance and harmony between our communities. We will continue to defend our collective values of humanity, respect and dignity. We express our deepest condolences to the families who lost their beloved ones and those that had been injured in London bombings.

Hashim Duale
Speaker Somali community of Leicester

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