THE Pakistani community in Redhill were left shocked by the assassination of Pakistan's former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto.

Ms Bhutto had been addressing an election rally in Rawalpindi today when she was shot in the neck by a gunman who reportedly then set off a bomb.

Imam Habib Qureshie, from Redhill Islamic Centre, said: "It is a shock. Everyone has different points of view, here and everywhere, but it doesn't mean we should kill each other.

"She was a brave lady and we condemn terrorist attacks, especially in Pakistan which has had many attacks in recent years. Those attacks we cannot accept and we do not like."

Mohammed Khalid, head of the town mosque, which includes many members of the Pakistani diaspora, said: "Islam strongly condemns suicidal bombings and I certainly speak on behalf of the Muslim community when I say this is a sad day for us all.

"Pakistan is going through a crisis at the moment and our hearts and thoughts go to the friends, family and party of Benazir Bhutto."