Mr Hussein called for people to be calm, positive and active.

City councillor Talib Hussein said it was a shock to have arrests whether it was a Muslim community or not.

"It is vital to support the police and find out who the perpetrators of these acts are," he said.

A Birmingham Mosque member said he had no faith in the system. Mr Blair had told lies and "we cannot give our blind trust to the government", he said.

Dr Mohammed Naseem of the Birmingham Mosque said there was no excuse for terrorism.

The great relationship that West Midlands police enjoy with the local communities will continue Supt Russ Smith

"We believe the terrorists must be apprehended, we believe the terrorists must be given their due punishment.

"But having said that, and to maintain this unity of purpose, it is essential that the process of law should be independent, open and transparent."

Tony Blair had lied over Iraq, he said.

"Now we cannot give our blind trust to the government.

"And to have that trust it is important that the process of law should be independent, open and transparent."

Supt Russ Smith, of West Midlands police, said officers had good relations with the local Muslim community and would act "robustly" against anyone responsible for attacks on them.

"The great relationship that West Midlands police enjoy with the local communities in the West Midlands will continue and we'll work together to deal with any problems that arise."