London, Oct 27: Hardline Islamic preacher Omar Bakri, who was recently exiled from the UK, has reportedly sparked outrage by saying that Muslim kids above 15 could carry knives for “self-protection”.

In an Internet hate-message, he is learnt to have said that kids over 15 could carry knives for protection. Legally, it’s not allowed but Islamically it’s OK,” The Sun quoted Bakri as saying.

Last night Bakri’s comments left crime campaigners sickened. Raymond Stevenson, co-ordinator of anti-knife group Urban Concepts, said: It’s the response of someone from the lunatic fringe. Arming young children is not the answer to a situation no matter how dangerous the streets might be. I can’t believe he’s even considered his religion before making these comments. It’s astonishing.” (ANI)