THE North London Muslim forum is to hold a public meeting on Islam in the Media in Harrow on Friday.

The aim is to counter what the forum described as the "current media onslaught against the Muslim community".

That, along with statements by politicians, had created a "climate of fear associated with the Muslim community and suspicion for the wider British society", the forum claimed.

It said: "There has been an increasing rise in the number of Muslim issues reported in the media from the role of women and their dress to Muslim schools and the radicalisation of Muslim youth.

"The current portrayal and misconceptions surrounding the Muslim community have only served to polarise communities further and we are entering an unfortunate situation where community relations can become increasingly difficult.

"In response to this, the North London Muslim Forum is opening up positive dialogue with the local community in addressing these issues to further develop inter-community relations, and break down barriers.

"Various Muslim community leaders and local councillors are attending in order to engage in dialogue."

The meeting at 7.30pm on Friday is at the Victoria Hall in Sheepcote Road, Harrow.