Moslem leaders have apologised to the chairman of a community group for the reaction he received after a Union Flag, flying as part of The Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations, was set on fire.

Keighley Muslim Association says it shares Denis Walton's anger at the destruction of the red, white and blue flag .

The mosque has begun its own investigation into the incident earlier this month - seeking witnesses from the town's Asian community.

Keighley police have also promised to investigate the removal and burning of the flag, hoisted by Mr Walton and fellow members of Emily Street Flats Residents Association, Lawkholme, Keighley.

The residents' association had put up bunting and the flag by the flats, which are almost opposite the Jamia mosque.

Soon afterwards Mr Walton was horrified to find the "proudly flying flag" lying in ashes in dirt underneath a nearby tree.

Mr Walton crossed the road to the mosque, where up to 100 people were attending an event, in search of witnesses. But he claims he was met with blank expressions, and when he approached one elder his concerns were "pooh-poohed".

Mr Walton wrote a letter of complaint to Keighley Muslim Association, which runs the mosque, and this week received a reply from general secretary Mahboob Alam.

Mr Alam said he was shocked both that such an incident could take place only metres from the mosque, and that the situation was not resolved immediately.

He added: "This horrific situation, at a time when one should have been celebrating, has left me feeling somewhat disgusted. I am angry at the fact that the flag was destroyed and also the fact you were shown no empathy.

"I'm saddened that you have been left with a bitter impression of the Muslims in Keighley. The vast majority of Muslims are law-abiding and respectful people."

Mr Alam said they would talk to the entire mosque congregation at Friday prayers, and hopes to work with Mr Walton to build a united front against future incidents.

Chief Supt Graham Sunderland, head of Keighley police, says the matter will be investigated by a high-ranking officer.