THE leader of the far-right British National Party in Stoke-on-Trent has condemned the arsonists behind the failed mosque attack and urged his supporters to use peaceful means to express their views.

Councillor Michael Coleman said he was "absolutely shocked" when he learned of the deliberate attack on the Regent Road mosque.

The mosque, which is still under construction, was targeted yesterday by arsonists who tried to blow up the building by feeding a pipe attached to gas mains at a neighbouring house through a window of the mosque.

A fire was then started inside the building.

Detectives are today continuing to examine the scene and review CCTV of the area.

Mr Coleman told The Sentinel: "We regard this kind of action as terrorism and we do not support it in any way.

"The BNP is about peaceful protest, using political debate and votes; we want nothing at all to do with this.

"Deliberate attacks like this are just going to escalate the situation, particularly if there are reprisals from members of the Muslim community, and no-one wants a war."

Mr Coleman called on supporters who may have information about the arson attack to go to the police.

He said: "I would urge anyone, not just our supporters, who knows anything at all about this to contact the police straight away."

He added: "I don't know why someone would do this, but I know there has been a lot of talk on the internet about incidents of poppy-burning around the country, which some extremist elements seem to be treating as a declaration of war."

Tristram Hunt, the Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, branded the mosque attack "disgusting", and said he also fears far-right extremists may be involved.

After visiting the scene yesterday, and speaking to members of Shelton's Muslim community, he praised their response to the incident.

He said: "I understand there were quite a few fires started in the area that night, which may have been an attempt to distract the emergency services from the attack on the mosque.

"Obviously we have to wait for the results of the police investigation, but any attack on a place of worship and a community centre is extremely worrying.

"I know that the police are treating this as their highest priority, not just in the city, but right across the force, which is reassuring.

"The response from the community in Shelton has been measured, appropriate and calm, and I would urge them to remain as such.

"We have to be vigilant against this kind of disgusting attempted desecration and sabotage."

Mr Hunt said he is concerned the political decline of the BNP in the city over the past year may have fuelled a rise in support for more extreme right-wing organisations, such as the English Defence League.

He said: "Organisationally, I think the BNP are weaker as a party than they were a year ago, but there is concern about more extreme elements such as the EDL.

"What we don't know is whether these elements are operating within the city, or coming in from outside."

Councillor Mohammed Pervez, the Labour leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, has also condemned the culprits behind the attack.

He said: "This is a very serious incident. It is important the perpetrators of this irresponsible and reckless act are caught as soon as possible. City council officers are working closely with the police to assist them in their inquiries."

Chief Inspector Wayne Jones said: "I think we have a really cohesive city.

"Sadly events like this come along to test these relationships."