Leeds still bears the psychological scars, says leading city imam

Leeds still bears the “psychological scars” of the 7/7 bombings, a senior imam has said, as he reflected on the lasting disbelief that the perpetrators came from the city.

- By James Connolly

The devastating terror attacks on July 7, 2005, saw four suicide bombers target London's public transport system during the morning rush hour, killing 52 people and injuring more than 700.

Two of the attackers, Mohammad Sidique Khan, 30, and Shehzad Tanweer, 22, were from Beeston, while a third, Hasib Mir Hussain, 19, lived in Holbeck.

It brought global media attention to Leeds, casting a spotlight on its Muslim communities and leaving residents to confront a wave of suspicion, fear and grief in the aftermath.

Qari Asim MBE is the prayer leader at Makkah Mosque in Thornville Road and was living in Leeds at the time of the bombings.

"The tragedy of 7/7 sent shockwaves through the nation, including for Muslims who were all united in their grief and solidarity," he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.