News


downsmail.co.uk Call for caution after aacks


MAIDSTONE'S Muslim leader Dr Muhammed Usmani has been instructed by Kent Police to "be vigilant" in thewake of the terror attacks in Manchester and London.


Dr Usmani, Imam at the town's


Mote Road mosque, said he had- faced no negative reaction after the killing of 22 people at Manchester Arena after a concert. The suicide bomber's actions on


May22were claimed by IS terrorists. Later, on Saturday June 3, three terrorists were shot by police after going on a murderous spree near London Bridge railway station. They murdered seven and injured scores of others. Dr Usmani (41), told Downs Mail:


"I did receive a message from one of the community liaison officers who instructedmeto be vigilant. Iwasn't offered protection and Idid not seek it. They (Kent Police) are always around and in touch with civilian in- telligence." He added: "I am pleased to say


that we have not encountered any bitterness in Maidstone and the mosque has not faced any negative reaction."


Watches taken


ASHOPLIFTER who stolewatches and beer from stores in Maidstone has avoided a prison sentence. Daniel Graham Reed was sen- tenced on 24 April, 2017, at Med- way Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to two counts of shoplifting. OnApril 3, 2017, the 39-year-old,


of no fixed address, stole four cans of beer worth £5 from a supermar- ket in The Mall, Maidstone. On April 23, 2017, he stole twowatches worth £38.99 from a shop in St Peter’s Street, Maidstone. Magistrates sentenced Reed to 60


days in prison, suspended for 12 months.


Ryarsh fete STALLS, a beer tent and all the usual fun of the fair is on offer at Ryarsh Village Fete on Saturday, June 17. The event on the village green


from 1-5pm will raise money for Kent Air Ambulance and Ley- bourne Grange Riding School for the Disabled. Parking and admission are free.


Towpath opens THE new towpath between Maid- stone and Aylesford has opened. Funded by KCC and Aylesford


Parish Council, the path from the Malta Inn at Allingon to Aylesford village is part of a project to pro- vide a riverside walk to Barming Bridge


18 Malling June 2017 Standing together


REV Canon Andrew Sewell, of Churches Together in Maidstone, and Dr Muhammed Usmani, of Maidstone Mosque (left), issued a joint statement in the wake of the Manchester and London attacks. It said: “The Christian and Muslim communities stand together with people of all faiths and none in con- demning the appalling terror at- tacks in London and Manchester. “We pray for victims and their


Dr Usmani said hewas pleased to


have received messages of support from people of all faiths. Aspokesman for Kent Police said: "While we are not confirming spe- cific locations, the public should be aware that it is likely they will see an increase in police patrols of both


armed and unarmed officers around the whole of Kent." The mosquewas the focus of a far-


right demonstration earlier this year. Just 20 members of a group turned up for an anti-Muslim protest on after reports the mosque was to be extended.


families, and will work with every- one of goodwill to ensure that these events do not cause division or mis- understanding in our town. “


Dr Usmani said: "I respect any-


one's right to free speech even if I don't like or agree with what they are saying. “But I would be unhappy if either side used inappropriate words."


Charity bowling challenge Marden safari


BUSINESSMEN in Maidstone are putting their computers to one side to test their skills on the bowling alley as part of a novel charity challenge. Maidstone United Football


Club, Evans Cycles, Gravity, Sports Direct, the Odeon and the O2 are among those step- ping up to the line for the chal- lenge at the Hollywood Bowl in Maidstone in aid of the Young Lives Foundation. The charity league is just one


of the fund-raisers being organ- ised by staff at the Lockmeadow bowling alley for the Maid- stone-based children's charity, which offers support to vulnera- ble and disadvantaged children and is celebrating its 10th an- niversary.


Assistant manager Law Mar-


tin said: “We pride ourselves on creating positive energy and happy memories in our centre, especially for children and fam- ilies, and the work of the Young Lives Foundation is about en- suring young people receive the positivity and support they need.We feel it’s a natural fit to name them our official charity partner.” The charity’s Karen Knight


said: “The benefits this will bring to a wide range of local children is invaluable and will help us reach so many more – and do more – for the increasing number of disadvantaged chil- dren in our community.” The grand final will be on Wednesday, June 7.


MARDEN youngsters will be treated to an Around the World Sa- fari this summer. That is the theme of the holiday play scheme from Monday, July 24 to Friday, August 4, at Marden Scout HQ. The scheme is for five to 12-year-


olds.Anyone who can donate fancy dress costumes for children, aswell as old duvet covers, shoe boxes, buttons and beads, is asked to drop them off at the parish office before the opening day.


Charity fair


BUY fresh produce and find out about the work of Communigrow when the charity holds its summer fair on Saturday, July 22, at Ditton. The event will run from 11am to


3pm at the Communigrow field in Park Farm, Ditton, and will include stalls and light refreshments.


‘Road rage’ case witness appeal


POLICE have appealed for wit- nesses to a road rage incident in which a woman allegedly kicked another driver's car window near FremlinWalk car park. The incident happened at Fairmeadow at about 3.40pm on May 1. A 17-year-old has been ar- rested and bailed pending further enquiries. Police have received an allega-


tion that both cars stopped at traffic lights close to the entrance of the car park when one of the vehicles


was reportedly cut up. According to Kent Police, a fe-


male passenger in one of the cars got out and started swearing at the driver of the other vehicle. A statement said: "The suspect is


then said to have kicked the vic- tim’s driver side window, causing it to break. "It is reported she then got back


into the car, which was driven away in the direction of St Faith’s Street."


Officers would like to speak to


anyone who may have witnessed the incident and who has not yet contacted police. A 17-year-old girl was arrested


on May 9, on suspicion of assault and criminal damage. She has been released, pending further investi- gation.


Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference YY/011195/17. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.


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