A MOSQUE leader who called for calm over protests by an Islamaphobic group has been commended by the police.

Ghulam Rabbani, generally secretary of Harrow Central Mosque, was recognised for his determination to help the community in the face of opposition from Stop Islamisation of Europe (SIOE).

The protests threatened to spark division and conflict between the borough's diverse communities but Mr Rabbani pressed for restraint from young people who felt under threat.

He was commended by Chief Superintendent Dal Babu, borough commander for Harrow, alongside Shaban Sidick, who also helped planning for the demonstrations.

Mr Rabbani praised all the volunteers who helped during the two protests, one on September 11 and the other on December 13.

He said: “It's brilliant to get this commendation. It will encourage people to work hard for the community. Something like this is special for the volunteers.”