Leicester Clock Tower vigil held to call for release of Islamic State hostages

A crowd gathered in Leicester city centre today to call on Islamic State to release its hostages.

About 40 men, women and children congregated at the Clock Tower to send a message for the release of all Islamic State captives including aid worker Alan Henning.

The vigil was organised by local teacher Riaz Khan and was attended by Leicester aid worker Majid Freeman who was with Mr Henning when he was captured.

Mr Henning, 47, of Salford, was captured while delivering aid to Syria in December.

The terror group holding him has threatened to kill him. His family said they had received a recording of him pleading for his life.

Mr Freeman said: 'I would call on the people who are holding Mr Henning prisoner to look into his case and review what he has done.

'He is an innocent man and should be released immediately.'

Organiser Mr Khan said he hoped the gathering would send a message to the terrorists.

He said : 'Today is the day of Arafat - the holiest day in the Islamic calendar.

'This is why I organised this for today. I am appealing to them on this most special day to let Mr Henning go.'

The people heard speeches, held posters and staged a one-minute silence at the Clock Tower.

Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth said: 'It is fitting this is held in this city because we embrace all faiths here.

'We are here today with Muslims, non-Mulsin and people of no faith. We are joining together to express our solidarity and to call for the release of all hostages.'

Suleman Nagdi, spokesman for the Federation of Muslim Organisations, said he was happy to support the vigil.

Canon Barry Naylor said: 'It seems to me Mr Henning was a very decent man who needs our support and help now.'

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