Police probe BNP leaflet

| Wednesday, 12 March 2008 Source: icSolihull

POLICE are investigating a leaflet produced by the BNP and posted to homes in Solihull, which claims the borough is being subjected to "Islamification".

It says if plans for a Muslim cultural centre in Dog Kennel Lane, Shirley, are given the go-ahead, it will lead to "conflict" and "discontentment" in the area.

The plans have been submitted to Solihull Council by Solihull Muslim Community Association, which has been searching for a permanent home in the borough for 25 years.

Omar Ahmed, spokesman for the association, said: "Solihull has a growing Muslim population and we live in a multi-cultural, multi-faith society.

"Our centre will be open for all the community, not just Muslims."

Simon Darby, the BNP's deputy leader for the West Midlands, denied the leaflet could stir up racial hatred. "We are talking about religion, not race," he said.

"We produced the leaflet to inform people that a Muslim place of worship could be built on their doorstep."

A police spokesman said they were looking into the matter to determine what impact the leaflet has had on the community.