MINORITY communities in London are just as worried about terrorism and violent extremism as the rest of the population, according to research for Scotland Yard. Researchers looked at ways to get a better understanding particularly of Muslim communities to tackle issues such as violent extremism, Islamophobia, hate crime, and gang and youth crime

MINORITY communities in London are just as worried about terrorism and violent extremism as the rest of the population, according to research for Scotland Yard.

A study was carried out in five London boroughs including Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge in East London on how police could work closer with ethnic populations to tackle crime and terrorism.

Researchers looked at ways to get a better understanding particularly of Muslim communities to tackle issues of public concern such as violent extremism, Islamophobia, hate crime, and gang and youth crime.

The study carried out by the University of Central Lancashire for the Met Police found that most minority communities are as concerned about these issues as mainstream society.

“We learned that the current structures for engaging’ communities on policing and public safety issues often don’t work well,” said Bob McDonald who headed the research team.

“We need to narrow the gap between police and those communities where mutual understanding, trust and confidence are low.”

His report shows ethnic communities want to help the authorities because they also regard terrorism as a crime against humanity, regardless of race, religion or creed and entirely contrary to the teachings of any religion.