The Muslim Council of Britain is appalled to learn of yet another violent assault on a UK Imam this time at London’s flagship Islamic Cultural Centre in London on Friday morning (August 10th). “An Imam at the Islamic Cultural Centre was punched continuously in the head by a visitor to the mosque very early on Friday morning in a completely unprovoked attack. The Imam suffered heavy blood loss and serious damage to both his eyes which had to be operated on in an emergency procedure later that same day. The MCB understands that the suspected attacker is currently being held by the police. In recent weeks we have heard of several similar incidents of violent attacks against Imams and mosques across the UK, including a daytime arson attack on a mosque in Bradford last week where many children had gathered for prayers. There is clearly a growing anti-Muslim climate in this country and it has some very worrying implications for all of us. It is deeply regrettable that sections of our media have been playing a key role in fomenting much of this Islamophobic prejudice and hatred against British Muslims,” said a spokesperson at the Muslim Council of Britain. The MCB urges British Muslim institutions to liaise with their local police to discuss any safety concerns that they may have. The MCB also urges the British media to adopt a more responsible attitude in their reporting to ensure that whole groups and institutions are not unfairly vilified. [ends]       For further information please contact the MCB:       The Muslim Council of Britain,       PO Box 57330,       London,       E1 2WJ       Tel: 0845 26 26 786       Fax: 0207 247 7079       media@mcb.org.uk