A former police chief has warned people about attacking Blackburn and the Muslim faith in the wake of the Texas terror attacks.

On Saturday night Malik Faisal Akram, known as Faisal Akram, 44, was shot dead following an 11-hour stand-off at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville.

Hours later, a Facebook page called Blackburn Muslim Community acknowledged the passing of Akram, with many people condemning the group's actions so soon after the attack, saying their wishes for him to be taken to 'the highest ranks of paradise' were in poor taste.

Former police chief, Bob Eastwood, who was born in Blackburn, growing up in the town and spending the majority of his working life there, said despite the announcement being untimely, the Muslim community in Blackburn should not be attacked.

He said: "I know the town pretty well. I also know the communities pretty well.

"The acts carried out by Faisal Akram were as extreme as they were horrendous and some of the things now circulating are unhelpful and fail to acknowledge the facts.

"No doubt the usual ‘academics’ will soon be dishing out their norm that Blackburn is a divided town, but I would hope the following would be subject of any future focus - Akram was a criminal, a well known criminal who it is said also had a mental health illness.

"That is probably true. How did he get into the US who have the most stringent immigration policies and how did he source a weapon?

"That’s one for the US to figure.

"His brother supported the FBI in trying to negotiate his surrender.

"The family have condemned the targeting of anyone else on the grounds of race or religion, and a Facebook page has acknowledged Akram's passing.

"As untimely as it was let’s put that into perspective and resist interpreting that as some support of what is a terrorist act and the motives of Akram."

Mr Eastwood went on to say: "It was untimely and unwise, in all the circumstances, however it is pretty standard stuff for the Muslim faith to acknowledge the passing of the recently departed, no matter the circumstances.

"I for one know that the vast majority of communities in Blackburn will rightly condemn Akram for his criminal acts targeting a synagogue and for the shame he has brought to the reputation of a very proud town.

"But attacking Blackburn and the Muslim faith is wrong."