MOSQUES across Blackburn have reacted with outrage to allegations that their school of Islam is extremist'.

In a report yesterday, The Times cited the teachings of controversial cleric Riyadh ul Haq, who belongs to a Bury seminary, as proof that the 'hardcore' Deobandi version of Islam has begun to dominate mosques, particularly in towns like Blackburn and Burnley.

The majority of mosques in Blackburn are Deobandi but Coun Salim Mulla, senior vice-chairman of Lancashire Council of Mosques, said there was deep anger over the claims.

Coun Mulla said: "In the few hours since this came to light there has been outrage and anger in the Muslim community.

"Personally I am very angry because the Deobandi school of Islam is one of the more moderate schools and I do not recognise this description of it.

"Deobandi is just like the Roman Catholic church, the Church of England and Methodism in Christianity. It is one of the schools of thought," he said.

Mosques across East Lancashire are run under the Deobandi school of thought, with the majority in the Blackburn area.

Officials from the council of mosques have called an emergency meeting over the coverage.

Ibrahim Master, chairman of the Discover Mosques group, said Muslims in Blackburn had been involved in organising a mosque open day last month which was attended by more than 700 followers of all faiths.

An estimated 600 of Britain's 1,350 mosques are now said to be run by the Deobandi school, with their main influence extending across northern England and the Midlands.