AN Islamic group will march on Wootton Bassett to mourn the thousands of Muslims they claim have been “murdered” in the Afghanistan war.

The market town has been chosen by Islam4UK, a platform for the global front Al-Muhajiroun, because of the part it plays in the repatriation of Britain’s fallen service personnel.

The group published a statement on its website, announcing its plans to march on the town, which honoured 107 troops killed in theatre last year.

The statement reads: "Islam4UK would like to announce the launch of a momentous march that is scheduled to take place in the following weeks, details of which will be released shortly inshaa'allah (God willing).

“The destination of this very special event is the small market town of Wootton Bassett.”

The statement goes on to use inflammatory language to talk about the deaths of Muslims in Afghanistan and accuses the British military of “murder”.

Anne Bevis, secretary of Wootton Bassett British Legion, who is responsible for informing residents of repatriation dates, said: "I have heard about the proposed march and would not like to comment until the facts are completely known.

"I would say however, that I do hope members of this group think long and hard about the rights of the people of Wootton Bassett before going ahead with their proposal.

"The repatriations have never been political. We turn out to pay our respects to those who have lost their lives and support the families who must carry on without them."

A spokeswoman for Wiltshire Police said: "Wiltshire Police respect the right of the public to partake in peaceful protests, however public safety is of paramount importance to the force and any breach of the law will be dealt with in the appropriate manner."

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