The youngest elected chairman of Merton's Muslim association has condemned terrorism abroad in the month of Ramadan.

Fahim Akhter, 47, who is the chairman of the British Muslim Association of Merton, is reinforcing the message of peace and acceptance in the Muslim faith, and has slammed youngsters who travel abroad and commit acts of terrorism.

Mr Akhter has been encouraging members of the Muslim community in the borough to report any suspicious behaviour, after two 20-year-olds in Cardiff were shown in a recruitment video for Islamist group Isis in Syria having secretly left the country.

This week two men from Birmingham face jail sentences after admitting engaging in the conduct of preparation of acts of terrorism after flying to Syria via Istanbul.

Yusuf Sarwar and Mohammed Ahmed, both aged 22, were discovered when Sarwar’s mother handed them in to police.

Mr Akhter, who represents 170 members of all ages from mosques across Merton, said: "Recently there has been a lot of negativity about people involved in terrorist acts in Syria and Iraq.

"My organisation and Muslims in the area condemn any act like that.

"We don’t support terrorism at all.

"We are a peaceful community."

In his role, to which he was elected in April, Mr Akhter is hoping to organise charity events later this year for people of all faiths to raise money for good causes.

In the pipeline are a conference and a walk from Morden to Wimbledon Park.

Millions of Muslim people across the world are currently fasting from dawn to sunset as part of Ramadan - where no food or drink is consumed in daylight hours.

It began on June 28 and will end on Sunday, July 27.

Mr Akhter said Ramadan promotes forgiveness and generosity, and encourages people to give to charity.