A COUNCILLOR has urged young Muslims celebrating the religious festival Eid starting today to put safety first during the festivities.

Coun Salim Mulla, who represents the Queen's Park ward in Blackburn, has warned young Muslims, to think about road safety during their celebratory drive around the streets.

He said that road safety needed to be on young people's minds in the light of the deaths of two men from Blackburn earlier this week in a car crash, although nobody has suggested any blame on the part of the driver.

Friends Imran Esan Aziz, 22, and Ali Hussain, 19, died when the car they were in crashed into a wall. Waseem Mohammed, 19, a passenger in the back seat, escaped with minor injuries.

Coun Mulla said: "During the celebration some of the youngsters from our community hire cars anddrive around, in the streets.

"Sometimes there are problems in the community and just this week two young people have been killed in a road accident. I think the message should be, especially to the young people, to please behave yourself and enjoy the day."You cannot always keep an eye on them and sometimes they do silly things. They beep their horns, and cause obstructions when they park on the edge of pavements. There is also some speeding.

Police across East Lancashire have been briefed on the celebrations and Chief Insp Steve Gregson of Eastern Division, co-ordinating the weekend, said there would be a 'visible' presence, adding: "We are hoping that everybody celebrating Eid has a joyous and safe time."

The funerals of the two childhood friends killed in a road accident in Blackburn on Wednesday were held yesterday at Pleasington Cemetery.

The funeral of Imran Esan Aziz took place at the Randal Street Mosque and Ali Hussain's service and prayers were held at the cemetery.