THE ACTIONS of the so-called Islamic State were condemned by speakers at an open evening staged by Keighley's largest mosque.

Guest speakers at the Markazi Jamia Mosque stressed the need to stop young people being duped by the terrorist organisation's propaganda.

And a senior police officer rejected allegations that efforts designed to stop people falling prey to murderous ideologies were really about picking on Muslims.

The event was the third such open evening hosted by Keighley Muslim Association, (KMA) and was supported by the Diversity and Cohesion arm of Bradford Council's Children's Services.

Addressing an audience of about 50 people, Imam Hafiz Mohammed Omar said: "If these people were firm on Islam they would not be killing people.

"We must warn our young people about how they could be manipulated. A lot of this responsibility lies upon our imams."

Reverend Dr Jonathan Pritchard, of All Saints' Church, said the commonly used distinction between extremist and moderate was unhelpful, as it is hard to convince passionate youngsters to follow supposedly "moderate" interpretations of religion.

He argued that in Christianity there is actually nothing moderate about turning the other cheek when confronting violence.

West Yorkshire Police superintendent Vince Firth, said he had been involved in combating different forms of terrorism for many years.

"People think we are spying on people and just picking on Muslims which is absolute nonsense," he said. "We're trying to keep people safe."

He emphasised the importance of holding more events similar to the open evening, to help people from different backgrounds get to know each other and fend off the threat posed by bigotry.

His words were echoed by Bradford Council's strategic director for children's services, Michael Jameson, Keighley central ward councillor Khadim Hussain, and Bradford deputy lord mayor Cllr Abid Hussain.

Both councillors condemned the terrorists responsible for murdering 129 people in Paris on November 13.

Speaking after the open evening, which also included a tour of the mosque and a meal, KMA community relations and education officer Mohammed Saleem said: "As Muslims we condemn the recent attacks in Paris as well as other attacks in countries like Palestine and Syria where innocent people are being murdered. This must stop."