A Manchester based Muslim singles event organiser claims he was forced to cancel an event TWICE after attendees said they were being 'intimidated' by members of the community.

And he hit out at those people who may have been responsible for this 'intimidation.'

The Professional Muslim Singles Matrimonial Event organised by Kamran Beg, should have been held in Blackburn last month and again on June 9 in the town.

Since the first event in Manchester last July, six couples have married and a further 13 were engaged.

Mr Beg said, "It is very sad that female attendees and their families should have been intimidated in this manner.

"We have attendees across the region travelling to our events with the express approval of their parents.

"Yet, we have the very tragic situation that when an event was due to be convened in Blackburn the unjustified, unsupported and scathing criticisms of certain community representatives left the female attendees in question and their families in fear of being 'penalised and frowned upon.' We live in a democratic dispensation where constructive dialogue, and not monologue, should guide decision-making.

"The very essence of a basic Muslim value system, which abhors intimidation and, importantly, encourages openness, transparency, discussion and debate and is based on the very highest standards of decency, integrity and mutual respect.

"I am very disappointed in having to cancel but under the circumstances had no alternative but to do so.

"I cannot tolerate female attendees feeling they are being intimidated and as a result took a decision to cancel the event."

He said he wanted to reassure the community the event is in keeping with Islamic values.

"I invite anyone who has concerns about the event to observe directly any event of their choosing and then to pass judgement."

Ibrahim Master, chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said, "If members of the community have complained I would suggest Mr Beg consults with an Islamic scholar and sees how best to go about the initiative while encompassing the Islamic values at the same time."