A Muslim Facebook group has amended a death notification and apologised after it received ‘threats'.

The Blackburn Muslim Community Group shared a message following the death of Faisal Akram, 44 from Blackburn, shot dead by police at a synagogue in Texas. 

He had travelled to the US, bought a weapon and held four people hostage in a 10-hour stand-off at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville on Saturday.

The four hostages were unharmed.

On a livestream, Akram had demanded the release of a Pakistani neuroscientist who is being held by US authorities.

The family of Akram has spoken of his mental health struggles and also asked why he was allowed to travel abroad despite being known to the police.

Family question how 44-year-old 'known to police' was allowed into America

In their message the Blackburn Muslim Community Group had notified people of the death of Faisal Akram saying he had ‘sadly departed from this temporary world and returned to his Creator’.

And added: "There are many stories circulating in the local community so please avoid taking part in the sin of backbiting. Let the authorities complete their investigations, have respect for the family and allow them to mourn peacefully."

Hostage-taker killed in US synagogue stand-off from Blackburn

The page regularly lists deaths of individuals from Blackburn and Darwen. However today the group posted said they had amended the short statement they posted on Sunday after ‘receiving threats’.

A new post said: “We posted about the death of a local individual yesterday and utilised a standard template with generic wording that is used on all of our death announcements. After learning about the full circumstances surrounding his death, the post was removed.

“Messages from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Lancashire Council of Mosques have since been posted on our Page. We apologise for any upset or offence caused to those directly and indirectly affected by the incident especially the Jewish community in Texas.

“This was unintentional and our thoughts are with them all. We totally condemn any threats or attacks on innocent people.

“We stand in solidarity with people of all faiths as we believe they are all free to practice their religious beliefs freely without the fear of being attacked. We have always promoted peace, love and harmony between people of all faiths and none.

“We have been liaising with the relevant authorities who have advised us not to comment further on the matter. This is due to the amount of threats received as well as allowing the authorities to carry out their investigations.” The Muslim community has condemned spoken out following the incident.

The Lancashire Council of Mosques(LCM) said: “ The LCM is shocked by the news of events at Texas #synagogue. LCM condemns the acts of any individual who threatens or takes innocent life. LCM advises people to avoid speculation & sharing of unverified information via social media and let the authorities carry out their investigation.”

Mohammed Khan CBE, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Official information is now coming through from Texas and, along with other agencies, we are giving every help and assistance to the investigation. Our thoughts are with everybody affected.

“In Blackburn we firmly stand by the belief that no community should live in fear for its safety as they go about practicing their religious beliefs or identity. We stand in solidarity in condemning this act of hate, violence and terror.”

Zara Mohammed, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain said: “The act is all the more reprehensible since it was instigated at a place of worship where Jews were targeted.

“This was, quite simply, a hate crime and an act of antisemitism. We are thankful that the hostages are unharmed. Though some may seek to exploit such incidents for divisive ends, we must double our resolve to remain united against such hatred.”

“We understand that the perpetrator is reported to be of British origin and a Muslim. His actions fall way short of what is expected of a Muslim.

“His family and local community in Blackburn have also condemned the perpetrator’s action and are shocked and saddened to learn of this incident. We are in touch with our regional affiliate, the Lancashire Council of Mosques, and are ready to support them and local Muslim communities during this difficult time.”