Police have launched an investigation into a protest against the Pope held outside Westminster Cathedral.

The British Muslims protestors held aloft placards such as "Pope go to Hell", "Jesus is the slave of Allah" and "May Allah curse the Pope".

On the same day, the Pope apologised for a speech he made last week in which he quoted a medieval emperor who said the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed were "evil".

The Met said it had received complaints from the public about the angry protest.

"Detectives from the MPS are reviewing material gathered at the demonstration (Monday September 18)outside Westminster Cathedral and subsequent complaints made to police," a police spokesman said.

Assistant commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, who is in charge of Public Order Policing, said: "We have a long history of facilitating lawful demonstration and are keen to continue dialogue with any group wishing to protest.

"However, what we will not allow is for people to attend demonstrations and break the law.

"Currently officers are looking at what took place yesterday, and also other publicly made statements, with a view to ascertain if any criminal offences have been committed.

"We will always proportionately police all protest but equally will take decisive action where crime is committed."

Protest leader Anjem Choudary reportedly told the crowd of about 100 people: "Whoever insults the message of Mohammed is going to be subject to capital punishment.

"I am here have a peaceful demonstration. But there may be people in Italy or other parts of the world who would carry that out.

"I think that warning needs to be understood by all people who want to insult Islam and want to insult the prophet of Islam."

Article: By Peter Law

9:55am Tuesday 19th September 2006

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