One in 10 British Muslims believe 7/7 bombers are 'martyrs'

London, Jul 4 (UNI) More than one in 10 of British Muslim thinks that the July 7 suicide bombers should be regarded as 'martyrs', according to a poll.

Around 16 per cent of British Muslims believes that while the attacks were wrong, the cause was right. More than half are of the view that the Iraq war was the principal reason for London bombings.

But the polls also revealed a stark gulf between this group and the majority of Muslims who want the Government to take tougher actions against extremists within their community.

Over half of the community, 56 per cent, feels that the Government has failed to combat terrorism and nearly half, 49 per cent, also think it acceptable for the authorities to monitor what is being preached at mosques.

Chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality Trevor Phillips warned, '' The results show that there are people within the Muslim communities who are so far away from the mainstream of society, as well as the mainstream Muslims, that they think they are at war with the rest of the community.'' Another dangerous finding is that around 49 per cent believe that further suicide attack is possible. Authorities have increased surveillance across London and in areas like Beeston in Leeds where three of the four 7/7 suicide bombers lived.

There is heavy patrolling at Underground stations and in Yorkshire.

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