DUDLEY’S religious leaders have united to condemn the killing of British hostage Alan Henning by extremists from Islamic State (IS).

The charity worker was beheaded by the group earlier this month in a crime which shocked the world.

Members of the Muslim community in Dudley have spoken out against the murder of western hostages in the name of Islam.

Choudhary Noor Hussain, general secretary, Dudley Central Mosque and Muslim Community Centre, said: “The Muslim community in Dudley is outraged by the barbaric, inhumane and unjustifiable acts by IS. They deserve no place in society and or in Islam and are not Muslims. Islam is a peace loving religion and does not accept and allow the killing of innocent people.

“We in Dudley, stand united in our resolve and condemn in the strongest possible way the appalling acts of this group.

“We pray that the almighty deservedly grants Alan Henning a place in heaven, truly a man who gave his life trying to help others in moments of need.”

The Bishop of Dudley, Graham Usher, added: "I stand alongside my Muslim sisters and brothers in Dudley with utter gut-wrenching horror at the evil committed by IS.

“Members of the Muslim community in Dudley have a long and proud history of making a major contribution to the life of the Black Country whilst living out the values of Islam as a religion of peace, love and respect."