A 20/20 cricket match will be held between Sutton Police and members of the Muslim community next month.

The game will be played on August 1 at Purley Sports Club, The Ridge, and will commence at 4.30pm.

Organiser of the event, Police Constable Sohail Syed, told Sutton Guardian: “I have had significant concerns about the effect recent media attention has upon the peaceful members of the Muslim community after recent terror attacks in the world.

“This has a rolling effect on the community and how the Metropolitan Police Service can continue to maximise trust, confidence and effectiveness of how we police. Here in Sutton we have a sizeable Muslim community that is very willing to engage with police.

The officer, who has worked in Sutton for 12 years, added: “I have organised this event to publicly demonstrate that the relationship between the MPS and the Muslim community in Sutton is strong, positive and representative of the relationship that the vast majority of the Muslim population share with police than the message very often projected in the media.”

This year a trophy will be presented to the winning team.

Lal Hussain will be the name of the cup in memory of the former Mayor of Sutton who died this year.

Speaking about Lal Hussain, Mr Syed said: “He was a tremendously influential figure in the community whose leadership, vision, energy and generosity will be greatly missed.

“Lal was a true gentleman, full of kindness and a man of peace committed to working with the MPS, and helping us build a positive relationship with the Muslim community.”

After the match, that’s expected to finish by 8pm, there will be a buffet for participants and invited guests.

The Police Constable took part in the same event last year where the local Muslim community were crowned as winners.

Mr Syed added that he would like to host an annual event between Sutton Police staff and local Muslims.

This will be the latest display of unity in the community of Sutton after The Sutton Islamic Centre invited people of different faiths and backgrounds to their home of worship on Oakhill Road last month.