Islamic State (IS), the radical jihadist group making strong gains in Iraq and Syria, is not a threat to this country, according to a South Woodford imam.

Ilford Recorder: Dozens of pro-Isis leaflets were distributed in London's Oxford Street on August 12, urging Muslims to pledge allegiance to the jihadist groupDozens of pro-Isis leaflets were distributed in London's Oxford Street on August 12, urging Muslims to pledge allegiance to the jihadist group (Image: Archant)

David Cameron warned earlier this week IS would bring “poisonous” terrorism to the streets of Britain if it was not urgently defeated.

But Dr Mohammed Fahim, the imam at the South Woodford Mosque, in Mulberry Way, believes any threat posed by the group is “exaggerated”.

He said: “To be honest it has been exaggerated regarding the threat to this country and the people on our streets.

“If there is going to be any threat it will be to do with [the conflict in] Gaza and British Muslims who hold dual passports travelling from this country to fight.”

Ilford Recorder: Dr Mohammed Fahim, South Woodford MosqueDr Mohammed Fahim, South Woodford Mosque (Image: Archant)

Dr Fahim, a regular advisor to Scotland Yard on issues surrounding British Muslims, added he felt that support for IS in the Middle East was dwindling.

“They are giving a bad name to Islam. I do not think they have any supporters,” he added

The Prime Minister, writing in the Daily Telegraph, said: “If we do not act it will only grow stronger until it can target us on the streets of Britain.”