Lack of trust hinders police bridge-building with Britain's Muslims

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2005

LONDON (AFP) — Police in Britain say Muslims could do more to co-operate with them in the wake of the London bombings, but it will take time to overcome fear, mistrust and powerlessness felt in the community.

Tarique Ghaffur, the most senior Muslim police officer in London's Metropolitan Police, said Muslims' reticence was not impeding the on-going investigation into the attacks, but rather the prevention of more atrocities.

Fifty-six people were killed, including four apparent suicide bombers, in the July 7 attacks on three London subway trains and a double-decker bus. An attempt to carry out copycat bombings two weeks later failed when the bombs did not fully detonate.

"It is the wider fear: Who are the preachers of hate? Who is distributing the hate...