MUSLIMS marked the forthcoming anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings by lighting a candle in memory of the victims who died.

Student Amar Ibrahim, lit 52 candles at prayers at Meco, the Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford, yesterday.

Also at the ceremony were the Rev David Platt, of St Michael’s Church, New Marston, and Annette Bygott, of the Summertown United Reformed Church.

Centre chairman Dr Taj Hargey said the group hoped to send out a message that the murders were “not in Islam’s name” and to show support to the families who lost loved ones on July 7, 2005.

He said: “Since the perpetrators of this indefensible crime were self-declared adherents of Islam, it is important that British Muslims recall and reflect about those who died needlessly.

“As followers of a peaceful and pluralistic religion, we convey our deepest condolences and show solidarity with the families and relatives of all those who lost their loved ones on that fateful day.”

The bombings were carried out by four Muslim men.

Three bombs exploded on different London Underground trains, with a fourth detonating on a double-decker bus in Tavistock Square.

Dr Hargey said the memorial took place on the closest prayer date to the anniversary.

He added: “Meco mourns those of our fellow citizens and visitors to the UK who died on that dreadful day.

“We ask Almighty God to shower His infinite mercy and boundless compassion on all of them.”