POLICE have stepped up their patrols around mosques in High Wycombe to prevent any attacks against Muslims, in light of last Thursday's bombs.

The move comes as a preventative measure following attacks against Muslims after September 11, 2001. Then, some mosques were deliberately targeted.

Thames Valley Police have put out high visibility patrols around each of the four mosques, and within the community at large.

So far there have been no reported incidents of attacks, and police are asking people to go about their business as normal and remain vigilant.

Chief Superintendant Simon Chesterman said police were working closely with the mosques.

He said: "Terrorism is a deplorable criminal act and people who commit these atrocities have no regard for faith, race or colour.

"We are working with our communities, who are all united in their condemnation of what took place in London."

Mohammed Ilyas, committee chairman of High Wycombe mosque, said he welcomed the extra patrols and that they were "more than necessary".

He added: "We definitely welcome them. They are needed because in the past we have had some silly minor things around the mosque.

"We believe these people doing this the bombings are not Muslims because it is not muslim criteria to kill innocent people.

"Some people in the area think Muslims have done it and say let's get them' so that is why we definitely need the police."

Mr Ilyas said there had been no incidents at the mosque yet and that they had not received any threatening letters either.

But he said members of the mosque did feel threatened at this time.

He said: "We used to open at 9am and keep the mosque open, but now we are making sure we lock it. You never know with some people."

Previous incidents of vandalism around the mosque included an incident just a few months ago, where outside walls were "painted" with pieces of pork.