24-hour VIP guard for Muslim fanatic evokes outrage in the UK

London, Mar.16 (ANI): A move by police in Luton, Leicestershire, to provide a 24-hour VIP guard to a Muslim fanatic who branded British soldiers "criminals", has evoked outrage among locals and politicians.

Yousaf Bashir yelled abuse at 200 heroic troops at their homecoming parade from Iraq. He and his 14 cronies waved placards calling the soldiers - from 2nd Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment - "the butchers of Basra", "murderers and terrorists" and "baby killers" in Luton.

On Friday night, two windows and glass in the door of the home in the town he shares with his parents were smashed, along with the rear windows of cars parked in the drive.

Two police constables were sent to Bashir's house on Saturday and their car was still there last night.

Tory MP and ex- army officer Patrick Mercer blasted: "You have to wonder whether police time wouldn't have been better spent countering terrorism than protecting its sympathisers."

Neighbours reacted with fury to the protection given to Bashir.

Kevin Hattle, 52, said: "I am appalled. My shed was broken into and a motorbike was stolen, but the police did not even come out."

Another said: "If a white racist had his windows put in, police would not give him round-the-clock protection as if he was a member of the Royal Family. He is supposed to hate this country but calls on it to protect him."

A police spokeswoman said: "We increased patrols in the area as a result of an attack on the house which took place sometime between late Friday and early Saturday." (ANI)