Bradford is set to be named today as one of 25 areas most at risk from Islamic extremists.

The Government is preparing to release details of an updated version of its Prevent counter-extremist strategy, originally launched in 2007 to stop the growth of home-grown terrorism.

It comes as Home Secretary Theresa May is expected to name the 25 boroughs most at risk, which is also expected to include Leeds.

Mrs May has also criticised universities for their “complacency” in tackling radicalisation and Islamic extremism. In addition to the 25 boroughs, ministers are expected to announce 40 English universities where there could be a “particular risk” of radicalisation or recruitment on campus.

It was not known last night whether Bradford University was to be included in the list.

Dr Mohammed Iqbal, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Bradford branch, said: “It is going to feature, as a city with such a large population of Muslims. We have not really had any major cases and that shows the good work being done in the city by different faith groups.

“A lot of people here are Kashmiri Muslims and they don’t tend to be influenced as much as other areas of Pakistan in terms of extremism.

“The Government is right to take it seriously but we need to be watchful and make sure we have programmes in place to tackle extremism.”

Prevent is a £60 million Government programme launched after the July 7 bombings. It aims to support mainstream Muslim groups and counter militants. However, some Muslims groups believe the programme was to spy on their communities.

  • Read the full story in Tuesday's T&A