A MUSLIM community leader who claimed he was kidnaped and warned to stop holding prayer meetings in Loughton has been accused of making the story up.

Noor Ramjanally, of Valley Hill, Loughton, has been charged with perverting the course of justice after being arrested yesterday (September 3).

He had told the police last week he had been abducted from his home by two men at knifepoint, bundled into the boot of a 4x4 and driven to Epping Forest where he was warned to stop his regular prayer meetings in Murray Hall.

Mr Ramjanally previously said his home was also firebombed, although the charge only relates to the kidnap claim.

Mr Ramjanally has been released on police bail to appear at Harlow Magistrates Court on Wednesday September 16.