'Not what we're about, no place for foreign extremist ideology': Hindu-Muslim joint appeal for peace amid Leicester violence

"We, the family of Leicester, stand in front of you not only as Hindus and Muslims but as brothers and sisters," said one of the leaders, reading out the joint statement released by the leaders of Hindu and Muslim communities.

Leicester has "no place for any foreign extremist ideology that causes division," he said, reading the joint statement

"Our two faiths have lived harmoniously in this wonderful city for over half a century. We arrived in this city together. We faced the same challenges together. We fought off racist haters together, and collectively made this city a beacon of diversity and community cohesion," the statement further read.

The statement said that both communities are "saddened and heartbroken" over the "tension and violence" that are "not part of a decent society".

"What we have seen is not what we're about," the leader said.

"We ask all to respect the sanctity of religious places, both mosques and temples alike," he added.

He appealed to people not to give in to "provocation with loud music, flag-bearing, derogatory chants or physical attacks against the fabric of worship".

Police have arrested 47 people in the East Leicester area in connection with the clashes.

"A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 months in prison following his arrest during the disorder in East Leicester," Leicestershire Police said in a statement.

Amos Noronha, of Illingworth Road, Leicester, appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court this morning (Monday) and pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon.

He was arrested Saturday night during the police operation in East Leicester.

"In total, 47 people have been arrested for offences in relation to the unrest in the east of the city," read the statement.

Some of those arrested were from out of the city, including some people from Birmingham.

The investigations into these offences are ongoing with dedicated staff collecting evidence.

Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “This quick charge reflects the hard work the officers have put in, with overwhelming evidence against Noronha. The sentence is reflective of the fact that this was a serious offence and he has ended up with time in prison."

“We saw last night a group of people from other cities come to our city to disrupt and cause harm. We will not stand for this unrest in our city. There is an extensive policing operation ongoing, acting on information and reports of gatherings and offering community reassurance," Nixon said.

The Indian High Commission in the UK has condemned the violence against the Indian community and vandalising of Hindu religious premises in Leicester.

“We strongly condemn the violence perpetrated against the Indian Community in Leicester and vandalization of premises and symbols of Hindu religion. We have strongly taken up this matter with the UK authorities and have sought immediate action against those involved in these attacks,” read the release issued by the Indian High Commission.

The commission urged authorities to provide protection to affected people.