CRIMINAL charges will not be brought against a controversial far right group that "invaded" mosques in Bradford last year, the Crown Prosecution Service has revealed.

On May 10, members of Britain First entered numerous mosques in Bradford, handing out British army bibles and urging worshippers to convert to Christianity.

They also made an uninvited visit to the home of then Bradford Mayor Councillor Khadim Hussain to discuss the issue of Asian grooming gangs and visited a local branch of Subway that serves halal meat.

West Yorkshire Police received several complaints about the incidents, but after "lengthy consideration" the police and Crown Prosecution Service now say there is "insufficient evidence" to pursue a prosecution.

Chris Hartley, Senior District Crown Prosecutor, CPS Yorkshire and Humberside told the Telegraph & Argus: "We have liaised closely with West Yorkshire Police on this matter, and a range of potential charges were considered.

"However we concluded, after lengthy consideration of all the available evidence that there was insufficient evidence for the CPS to commence a prosecution.”

Superintendent Vince Firth, partnerships lead for Bradford District Police, said: "We thoroughly investigated the incidents involving Britain First in Bradford and presented an evidence file to the CPS.

"They have fully considered this and concluded that there is no criminal case to answer. Throughout our enquiries, we have worked closely with local communities, partners, places of worship and the Council for Mosques to ensure they were fully informed.

"Each complainant has been personally visited by a police officer and updated about the result of the investigation. The actions of Britain First caused great offence to many, but the people of Bradford responded in the right way - by acting with the utmost dignity.

"Together, we continue to provide support and offer reassurance through our Neighbourhood Policing patrols and council warden teams."

After hearing about the decision, Cllr Hussain said: "I think the best policy now is to ignore them. I'm not interested in the negative elements in society."

Zulfi Karim, vice president of the city's Council of Mosques, said: "If there is not enough evidence for a prosecution, then there needs to be more protection for places of worship, not just mosques but all places of worship. I can understand they can't prosecute, but that is because the law is so open. You would hope there would be more protection against people coming into to places of worship like this. I understand no crime was committed and there was no damage.

"People will live in fear if places like this can be invaded." He said he would continue to push for stronger laws protecting places of worship.

Bradford West MP George Galloway had been highly critical of the party, and after hearing no charges were being brought, said: "I'm disappointed, but not surprised. Fortunately this group seems to have retreated back into its swamp, and let's hope they stay there."

And David Ward, Bradford East MP was also not surprised by the decision. He added: "They were quite clever, they might have pushed the law to the limits, but they didn't actually break it. But what took place was unpleasant and potentially very dangerous."