A MUSLIM former Kidderminster councillor has strongly condemned the murder of a soldier in Woolwich, describing it as a “betrayal of Islam”.

Mumshad Ahmed, a former Worcestershire county councillor, said Wyre Forest’s Islamic community had been shocked by the stabbing of Drummer Lee Rigby in the street.

Following the attack on Wednesday last week, one of the suspects, Michael Adebolajo, reportedly told members of the public he had carried out the attack because British soldiers killed Muslims every day. He has since been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Mr Ahmed, of Hurcott Road, said: “As a Muslim living in Wyre Forest, I condemn in the strongest possible terms the murder of Lee Rigby.

“It is absolutely barbaric – it feels like we are living in a world of blood-thirsty maniacs. I do not care if the perpetrators claim to be Muslim, I don’t have an ounce of sympathy for the two men that attacked Lee Rigby in Woolwich.

“They are savages and to claim themselves as Muslims is a betrayal of Islam and there is nothing in Islam that justifies this dreadful barbaric act.

“Muslims have long served this country’s armed forces proudly and with honour. This attack on a member of our armed forces and no cause can justify this murder.

“I call upon all our communities to come together in solidarity to ensure the people of hatred do not prevail.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of Lee Rigby at this terrible, tragic time.”