Lunatic fringe

UK - The Home Secretary has been barracked by a protester after he urged British Muslims to help fight terrorism. John Reid was shouted down as he called on Muslim parents to look out for "tell-tale signs" of terrorists brainwashing their children.

He was talking in London's East End - the focus of a number of recent investigations into alleged terrorist plots. A few minutes into his speech, a man called Abu Izzadeen stood up and berated the Home Secretary over police arresting more than a thousand" Muslims.

Izzadeen said: "You (Mr Reid) are a tyrant" and "You are an enemy of Islam and Muslims". He ranted: "State terrorism by British police", before officers and stewards led him from the building.

The protester, also known as Trevor Brook, is an extremist from the al Ghurabaa group, which was banned by Mr Reid under new anti-terror laws. Police have investigated Mr Izzadeen in the past after he praised the July 7 London Tube bombers.

A second protester was ejected when he also interrupted the minister's speech.

Mr Reid said: "There will always be people who will not be prepared to take part in a dialogue, but who will try to intimidate and shout down."

Returning to his speech, he insisted terrorists were waging a "violent and indiscriminate war" and warned that communities needed to be more aware of signs of terrorist activity.