Sunday, July 10 2005 11:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Fire broke out in a mosque in Leeds and a Gurudwara in Kent, amid first indications of a possible backlash against British Muslims as police said tension in the country was increasing.

About 70 incidents against minorities have been reported across the country since yesterday, police said adding they ranged from fires in prayer halls to two possible assaults, cases of verbal abuse and threatening calls.

Community tensions were discussed at the high level meeting of the government's crisis command group code-named 'Cobra', which was presided over by Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday (July 8, 2005).

Muslim religious leaders used Friday prayers to condemn the bombings and to tell the faithful they have no reason to feel ashamed and should go about their daily lives.

Meetings were held across Britain as the authorities and communities moved to limit any backlash.