A PROTEST against the anti-terrorist operation in Forest Gate was shunned by the family of the men arrested in the raid.

Around 100 people took part in the demonstration outside Forest Gate police station.

A statement from their sister Humeya Kalam read out at local mosques immediately before the protest urged local Muslims not to take part.

The statement said: "It is my wish as well as my family's for people not to attend the protest that will take place after Friday prayers.

"This will only provide another opportunity for our community to be portrayed in a negative light."

While the demonstration was going on, the plea was read out again by family friend Enem to a gathering of reporters and camramen.The protesters were led by Anjem Choudhury of the Islamist group the Saviour Sect.

Some held placards and shouted slogans including: "policeman go to hell", "Tony Blair, murderer", and "hands of Muslim land."

One speaker said: "If you want to stop terrorists, then stop supporting the terrorist police and the terrorist government."

Khalid Kelly, an Irish convert to Islam said: "It is not surprising that the family are disowning us. They are afraid. They have two sons in jail."

He went on to claim that beheading and kidnapping were part of Islam, and said no-one who supported the British Government was innocent.

Some onlookers said the scenes would only aggravate tensions in Forest Gate, and one attacked Mr Choudhury directly for creating "negative energy".

Demonstrator Abu Jihad told the Guardian: "Tempers are already inflamed. People are burning inside. We have come here to highlight draconian laws and foreign policy, and the victimisation of the muslims."

He said he wanted to see democracy in Britain replaced by Shari'a law.

A priest who works in Newham told the Guardian the protesters should feel free to express themselves, but he wondered how many of Newham's 60,000 Muslims were among the protesters.

Standing alone behind the police cordon was Forest Gate resident Farook Adam.

He said he was uncomfortable with what the rest of the protesters were saying, but still wanted to raise his concerns, and to ask local Muslim leaders to speak out on behalf of the community.