THE "sad, deluded fantasists" of the so-called Islamic State were attacked by speakers at an open evening staged by Keighley's largest mosque.

Guest speakers at the Markazi Jamia Mosque stressed the need to stop young people being duped by the terrorist organisation's propaganda.

And a senior police officer rejected allegations efforts designed to stop people falling prey to murderous ideologies were really about picking on Muslims.

Last Wednesday night's event was the third such open evening to be hosted by the Keighley Muslim Association (KMA), and was supported by the diversity and cohesion arm of Bradford Council's Children's Services.

Addressing an audience of about 50 people, Imam Hafiz Mohammed Omar said ISIS terrorists were the modern version of what were dubbed "Kharijites" in the early days of Islam.

"The word Kharijites means 'those who've left the fundamental teachings of Islam'," he said.

"If these people were firm on Islam they would not be killing people because the basis of Islam is the Qur'an and the Sunnah [example of prophet Muhammad] and these do not allow for the death of a single innocent soul.

"We must warn our young people about how they could be manipulated. A lot of this responsibility lies upon our imams."

The Reverend Dr Jonathan Pritchard, of All Saints' Church, said the commonly used distinction between extremist and moderate was unhelpful, as it is hard to convince passionate youngsters to follow supposedly 'moderate' interpretations of religion.

He argued that in Christianity there is actually nothing moderate about turning the other cheek when confronting violence.

He said people should rediscover the genuine radicalism within their religion, which has nothing to do with the hostility and intolerance of groups like ISIS.

"These people are claiming that God is violent and judgemental," he said. "As a Christian, I would say that's blasphemous."

West Yorkshire Police superintendent Vince Firth said he had been involved in combating different forms of terrorism for many years.

He added: "People think we are spying on people and just picking on Muslims, which is absolute nonsense. We're trying to keep people safe."

He emphasised the importance of holding more events similar to the open evening, to help people from different backgrounds get to know each other and fend off the threat posed by bigotry.

His words were echoed by Bradford Council's strategic director for children's services, Michael Jameson, Keighley central ward councillor Khadim Hussain and Bradford deputy lord mayor Cllr Abid Hussain.

Both councillors condemned the terrorists responsible for murdering 132 people in Paris on November 13.

Speaking after the open evening, which also included a tour of the mosque and a meal, KMA community relations and education officer, Mohammed Saleem, said: "As Muslims, we condemn the recent attacks in Paris, as well as other attacks in countries like Palestine and Syria, where innocent people are being murdered. This must stop."