SENIOR Muslims have condemned a racist demonstration which disrupted a quiet community.

Approximately 30 members of the farright group, the English Defence League (EDL), converged outside the Jamia mosque, in North Lodge Terrace, Darlington, on Saturday for a “flash demo”.

The demonstration was quickly dispersed by police and three arrests were made following the incident for theft, and public order offences.

Witnesses reported the demonstrators shouting racist slogans and intimidating local people.

A widespread police presence remained in the area throughout the day to prevent any reoccurrence.

The demonstration led to condemnation throughout Darlington.

Yesterday, Mohammed Sadiq, a founder member of the Islamic Society of Darlington, added his support to the way in which the community reacted to the demonstration.

He said: “I’m very pleased at the way people supported our community.

“We’ve been here in Darlington for 20 years and never had any problems whatsoever.

We have a very good relationship with the community.

“I was very surprised by the English Defence League, there’s no need for that, especially in Darlington.

“We’re very pleased that police did a very good job.”

On Fridays, between 150 and 200 people attend the mosque with between 20 and 50 people attending throughout the week.

Mr Sadiq, who represents the Muslim community on a number of panels, said Saturday’s events had made people a lot more cautious.

He said: “People are a lot more careful, but we don’t live with fear.

“The people on Saturday were not from Darlington.

“I would like to see the media take a different step towards Muslims, a lot of the things that get printed only encourage people like the EDL.

“The Muslims are under the limelight at the moment.”

Following the demonstration, a 49- year-old man from Redcar, east Cleveland, was arrested on suspicion of theft.

He is due to answer police bail next month.

A 40-year-old man from Spennymoor, County Durham, and a 17-year-old from Middlesbrough were arrested on suspicion of causing a public order offence. They will appear at Darlington Magistrates’ Court later this month.