A POLICE boss has publicly apologised over officers' handling of alleged racism at a public meeting -- and his force has handed over £5,000 compensation.

The move came after a complaint by Muslim leaders from Clitheroe's Medina Islamic Education Centre about racist outbursts at a planning meeting in Ribble Valley's Council Chambers.

The meeting, in March 2003, was held to discuss plans for a mosque in Holden Street, and was interrupted by "racist" shouting, which police failed to deal with.

Mosque leaders made a formal complaint and Chief Superintendent David Mallaby, divisional commander for Eastern division, has now offered a public apology to Farouk Hussain and Sheraz Arshad, chairman and secretary respectively of the centre.

Mr Mallaby said: "The police officers who were present at the meeting when racist comments were made by some members of the audience, should have acted at the time, but didn't.

"However, this was due to them, in the main, not being properly briefed prior to the meeting and I take responsibility for that.

There has been a lengthy inquiry into the events of that evening and I recognise that the incidents were not dealt with appropriately at the time.

"This is unacceptable and I apologise to all those who have suffered personal distress and strain as a result.

There are certain points of learning we take from this and will build on in the future.

"This incident was out of step with the very positive action that we take in respect of racist incidents, and the community were right to be concerned.

"We do not tolerate any sort of racist behaviour.

"Since the meeting we have been liasing with Mr Hussain and Mr Arshad to achieve a satisfactory resolution.

"We have given £5,000 compensation to the Medina Islamic Education Centre and unreservedly apologise for the distress caused. We are hopeful that we can continue to build on what was, and remains, an excellent relationship with the Muslim community of Clitheroe."

Mr Arshad welcomed the apology, saying: "When the police failed to act after the racist comments we felt it sent out the message that it was acceptable to do that.

"We are relieved that they have acknowledged their shortcomings. We are reassured by it, and hope it will help improve religious and race relations in the town."

Mr Hussain said: "I'm delighted they've accepted responsibility for what happened. It hopefully means the police will not now tolerate racist behaviour and be more sensitive to the needs of the ethnic minority."

The mosque plans were subsequently rejected on planning grounds.