Politicians and community leaders in Bradford have condemned the terrorist murder of a soldier on a London street.

Police reported no immediate negative reaction in the Bradford district to the barbaric killing in Woolwich, but officers are visiting mosques in the city and working with other organisations and faith groups to respond to any concerns.

Bradford Council for Mosques said it was “utterly dismayed” by the murder, which “defied any sense or logic”.

The actions of the two “deluded and misguided men” should not be linked to the Islamic religion or British foreign policy, it said.

Mohammed Mushtaq, president of the Council for Mosques, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the soldier who was brutally murdered. This heartfelt sympathy is felt across all sections of the community.

“The incident highlights the worst and the best of human behaviour. We pay tribute to the restrained and dignified behaviour of the people of Woolwich following the horrific incident and despicable scenes that followed it.

“We are encouraged by the restrained and balanced response by the Government and the police.

“Local agencies must quickly come together to assess the impact of the incident and what may be required in terms of collaborative action to nullify any potential negative reaction. The Council for Mosques will play its role.”

Councillor Imran Hussain, deputy leader of Bradford Council and executive member for safer communities, described the attack as “a hideous and appalling atrocity.”

“Our hearts go out to the young man who was so brutally killed and to his family and loved ones,” said Coun Hussain.

"It appears to be the work of fanatical extremists who have no place on our streets, and all right thinking people are repulsed by it.

"Where extremism is at work, there is always a risk that it provokes further extremist behaviour so we have to be vigilant and I know that the police are keeping a watching brief.

“Thankfully, thus far, there is no indication of any rise in tensions locally as a result of this utterly sickening crime. If anything, people across all communities are united in their revulsion."

Gerry Sutcliffe, Labour MP for Bradford South, said it was a “tragic and horrendous situation.”

He said: “It is bewildering that people will resort to that sort of action. Clearly, they do not speak for the wider community. This is a time for people to come together and not be divided. I appeal for calm and for people to unite. As a city, we have shown that people can live together harmoniously.”

Bradford East Liberal Democrat MP David Ward said it would be an insult to the people of Bradford, whatever their religious background, for him to issue words of calm, because the views of the alleged murderers would be rejected by the vast majority of the local community.

Mr Ward said the offence had been committed by very disturbed men.

He added: “I do not believe it will have an impact locally. These people do not represent anybody in Bradford. Every single person across Bradford will be united in their response.”