Terror attacks have rocked the United Kingdom in recent weeks - sending shock waves throughout the country. Hannah Mlatem speaks to Muslims in Newport about how it has affected them.

IN the wake of the London 7/7 bombings cases of racial abuse have been on the increase in some areas of Gwent.

But the Bangladeshi Muslim community in Newport were full of gratitude for the way people have pulled together and offered their support.

We visited the Shahporan Bangladeshi Jame Mosque and spoke to several people about the recent events.

They condemned the bombers and their actions and said that the Muslim religion was being used as an excuse.

Sheikh Mohammod Tahir Ullah is chairman of the mosque and Gwent Bangladeshi Association and member of the South East Wales Racial Equality Council.

He said as soon as the attacks in London happened on July 7 the city's figureheads rallied around.

"After the atrocious bombings I had calls from MPs, Gwent Police and Rhodri Morgan all asking if we were okay and if we needed anything. Since then they have continued to be helpful and have kept in regular contact with us."

The Muslim community has felt shock, sorrow and disgust as a result of the attacks.

"We condemn these attacks. Our hearts and prayers go to the victims," said Mr Ullah.

He talked about his feelings after the recent national news coverage of labelling the attackers "Muslim fanatics".

He said: "Islam does not allow this. It is forbidden to kill people and is utterly condemned in the Koran. They do not belong in any community, any religion on Earth does not allow this to happen."

Mr Ullah said people in the Gwent community needed to understand that the Koran stated that if you save a person's life you save the community, if you kill a person you have killed the whole community.

"Islam does not allow things like terrorism, suicides or anything related." The Bangladeshi community has lived in Newport peacefully for many years and continued to do so following the London bombings.

"People in Newport understand that we feel the same. This is good and encouraging and makes us feel that we still live in peace and harmony and makes us feel like part of the community."

Police are investigating two race hate crimes in Abergavenny over recent weeks. In the first, racist slogans were daubed on the driveway of 73-year-old Syed Abid Ali. On August 4, an Asian doctor was taunted and had eggs thrown at him as he walked through the town.

MUSLIMS in Gwent say that despite support from the community, many of them are still getting verbally abused in the street.

One man, who did not want to be named, said: "When I receive abuse in the street I can cope with it but when it happens to my elderly mum and dad it is just not right. It frightens them to walk the streets they have walked for years."

One Newport taxi driver, who contacted the Argus but wished to remain anonymous, said: "We do get some verbal abuse. People need to understand that we feel the same way about the bombings, we also feel sickened."

Mashahid Ali, chairman of the Bangladeshi youth and community association, said: "Verbal abuse in taxis, restaurants, shops or the streets cannot be accepted. We urge anyone suffering any type of abuse not to be afraid and to report it to the police, even if they think it is minor.

"Despite idiotic incidents around some areas of Gwent we have received support in our city. Muslin and Bangladeshi people also died in the bombings.

"Those responsible will not be allowed to hide away in Mosques and are not welcome to pray with us."

Dr Dudumiah Subhan said: "What we need is more trained clerics and teachers to translate the Koran properly and teach young Muslims to right way to worship and live in peace and harmony in our communities."

Gwent Police Chief Constable Mike Tonge said: "Gwent Police continue to work hard with communities, community leaders and partner agencies to ensure that all residents in Gwent are protected and reassured.

"Gwent Police will not tolerate racism of any kind against anyone within our community and we will deal robustly with any such behaviour that actually takes place."

Any members of the community who has experienced any such incident or witnessed any incident should report it to the police on 01633 838111 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, or online on www.report-it.org.uk.

Alternatively people can contact Valleys Race Equality Council on 01443 742704 or South East Wales Race Equality Council on 01633 250006. In an emergency people should call 999.