The residents of Leicester, a town in the East Midlands with a large minority population of Gujarati origin held a condolence meet for the people who died in the tragedy which rocked the two Indian cities of Bangalore and Ahmedabad on consecutive days.

Abdul Karim Gheewala, general secretary of the Indian Muslim Association, condemned the attacks and said: "The perpetrators are worse than animals, devoid of conscience and human and religious values. We express our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the innocent people killed and injured in the bomb blasts. The Indian government must institute an independent inquiry and bring the coward perpetrators to justice. We pray for the peace in our country."

Marcus Solanki, a member of the Gujarat Christian group in Leicester said: "It was terrifying to hear of the attacks when I have many in-laws in the city. I called them and they are okay, but one of the bombs went off at a hospital where both my cousin and aunt work. I thank god none of my family members was hurt, but I pray for those who injured in the incidents."