TERRORISTS come in many different forms. Their armour is cunning and deceitful, but the consequences for those who are their victims is devastating.

But it is not just in the streets of Baghdad, Basra and Gaza that the terrorist lurks. It would seem that a terrorist mentality exists and is deployed in a number of criminal acts. The increase in knife attacks and gun crime in our towns and cities causes many of us to feel concern and anxiety.

Those who perpetrate horrendous abuse against women and children often seize and manipulate the minds of the vulnerable. Just like the terrorist.

This trend is not just unacceptable; it seems to be a characteristic within a civilised society we are struggling to control, despite the best efforts of the police.

It represents an attitude that needs to be challenged at the roots of discord and disillusionment.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe.