A Muslim group with branches all across West London has joined millions around the world in reacting with horror to the brutual murder of David Haines.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Middlesex region covers Shepherds Bush, Acton, Ealing, Southall, Greenford, Hounslow and Feltham.

Mr Haines, 44, who was captured by the terrorist group Islamic State (also known as ISIS) in Syria last year, is shown in a video being beheaded by a man the authorities know as Jihadi John.

Ahmadiyya’s regional president Shaikh Rahman, issued the following statement today (Tuesday) and called for all to join the fight for justice and peace.

He said: “The appalling murder of David Haines at the hands of a British follower of ISIS is a horrific act of evil.

“Islam advocates love, respect and peace and this abhorrent murder again exposes that ISIS has nothing to do with Islam or any religion. It is barbarity at its worst.

St Mary's Church Hall, Harefield. A Peace Symposium held by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK. L-R: Shaikh Rahman, holding a Qur'an and Rev Martin Davies holding a Bible.

“We stand united with people of United Kingdom in unequivocally condemning this gruesome killing and hope that those responsible are caught and face the full force of the law.

“The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, under the guidance of our Caliph, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, categorically reject extremists wherever they may be, whatever their cause.

“We believe in love for all and hatred for none, and that inter-faith and international dialogue is the only way to cultivate understanding and harmony between people.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of David Haines, may God provide solace and strength to the bereaved and to his loved ones. Amen.”

Prayers for world peace and victims of atrocities around the world are being held at all the group’s Mosques in Middlesex and Mosques around the UK.