HIGH profile figures from across a community have gathered together in support of an Islamic leader targeted in a racist campaign.

Teachers, religious leaders and members of the police all voiced their condemnation for the recent attacks on Noor Ramjanally, who has received a letter threatening his family and been the subject of an arson attack.

Mr Ramjanally, of Valley Hill, Loughton, suffered the attacks after he began leading Friday prayer sessions at Murray Hall, in Borders Lane.

Gathering at Murray Hall in support of Mr Ramjanally, a number of speakers voiced their shock at the attacks.

Imam at South Woodford mosque Mohammed Fahim delivered a sermon on the importance of tolerance and respect, while Phil Joiner of Churches Together in Loughton spoke of his “shock and horror” at the attacks.

He said: All forms of religion should be free to express themselves with mutual respect, tolerance and understanding.”

Loughton Inspector Tom Simons said: “We offer our full support to this community group and the wider Muslim community in Loughton.

“Today was a show of unity behind this community. What's important is we all stand together.”

Melvin Cardy, headteacher at Staples Road Junior School, where Mr Ramjanally's son attends, also spoke at the event.

He said: “I've spoken to several headteachers in the area and they were absolutely appalled because it's absolutely counter to everything we do in the schools which is to counter this sort of prejudice and ignorance by education.”

Mr Ramjanally said he was very grateful for the show of support and he would continue to lead his new community group.

He added: “We have had a lot of support from everybody. They have all said if there's anything they can do to help they will be there. I'm definitely very pleased about it."