Muslims and Christians in protest march

Published on Saturday 11 February 2006 11:59

THOUSANDS of Muslims were today set to gather in London to protest at the publication of controversial cartoons caricaturing the Prophet Mohammed.

Christian groups are also joining the United Against Incitement and Islamophobia rally in Trafalgar Square to present a united front.

But there are fears that football thugs and extremists may try to hijack the mass event.

Protesters were expected to gather in Trafalgar Square at 1pm and the Metropolitan Police will be monitoring the event closely.

The day is being organised by a coalition of moderate Muslim groups including the Muslim Association of Britain, the UK Islamic Mission and the Islamic Society of Britain.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone and the Muslim Council of Britain are also supporting the protest.

A spokesman for all the organisations taking part said: "The first message we want to send to the country is that of the legitimate voice of the Muslim community as opposed to those that hijacked last week's demonstration outside the Danish embassy.

"We are people of peace and are trying to do our best also in bridging the gap between Islam and the West."