MUSLIM groups in Bradford have criticised claims made by David Cameron that local communities are failing to address the threat of radicalisation.

At a security conference in Bratislava, Slovakia, the Prime Minister warned of the dangers posed by people who "quietly condone" Islamic State's (IS) ideology.

His comments follow reports yesterday that the three missing Dawood sisters and their nine children, all from Little Horton, Bradford, had now crossed the border from Turkey to Syria.

Mr Cameron said the fact that extremist messages were supported in some sections of society could help add to the appeal of IS, paving the way for young people to "turn simmering prejudice into murderous intent".

"We've always had angry young men and women buying into supposedly revolutionary causes," he said.

"This one is evil, is it contradictory, it is futile, but it is particularly potent today.

"I think part of the reason it's so potent is that it has been given this credence.

"So if you're a troubled boy who is angry at the world, or a girl looking for an identity, and there's something that is quietly condoned online or perhaps even in parts of your local community, then it's less of a leap to go from a British teenager to an Isil fighter or an Isil wife than it would be for someone who hasn't been exposed to these things.

"We will do everything we can to help the police and intelligence agencies to stop people travelling to Syria.

"But, we mustn't miss the point, they are not responsible for the fact that people have decided they want to go."

The Bradford Council for Mosques said it acknowledged that the Muslim community in Britain needed to do more to combat radicalisation, but said professional agencies with resources to combat the issue needed to be held to account.

A spokesman said: "British Muslims and their institutions continue to work to make the community aware and remain vigilant of the dangers of radicalisation.

"We are disappointed that this is not being acknowledged by the Prime Minister.

"The three mothers from Bradford it seems were influenced by their brother who is already out in Syria and known to intelligence services.

"Therefore, the family was on the radar of Government agencies.

"The safe return of the children should be the ultimate concern. This is not the time to apportion blame.

"For the moment, let’s focus on the safeguarding of these children which the Government and local authorities have a responsibility and duty of care for."

Dr Abdul Bary Malik, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Bradford, said: "This week has shown how dangerous an organisation like IS can be for the UK, and for places like Bradford.

"It is a joint responsibility for everyone, but the parents play a more important role than anyone else.

"The community also has a responsibility, and we have to accept there is a problem, we can't sweep it under the carpet.

"The Government has to engage with the Muslim community, and that engagement is artificial at the moment.

"They need to engage directly with young Muslims."

The Muslim Women's Council in Bradford said the Dawood family were known to police, and questioned why "adequate" steps were not taken to prevent them from travelling.

Its chief executive Bana Gora added that the Government needed to "drastically improve" its approach on how it engaged with the Muslim community.

"To say that the Government is not responsible is disingenuous," she said.

"The Government, like the rest of us, needs to be holding a responsible position, and engaging in an equally responsible manner, which is honest and frank with the Muslim community.

"We have seen a marked departure from this government speaking with the community, to speaking at the Muslim community.

"This has created a climate of suspicion and mistrust, thus failing in its primary objective to tackle terrorism and radicalisation."

Imran Hussain, Labour MP for Bradford East and former deputy leader and portfolio holder for safer communities at Bradford Council, said he was devoting his energies to ensuring the safe return of the Dawood families.

"All of Bradford wants their safe return, and the incident has shocked the entire community," he said.

"I don't see Bradford as having a massive problem with radicalisation, this was a highly tragic one-off and the facts are still unfolding.

"Muslims in Bradford have always condemned the actions of IS, and it is inconsiderate of Mr Cameron to make such a blanket statement.

"I don't think the things he talks about apply to Bradford."