politicians and community leaders in Keighley have voiced sadness and fear for the future in the wake of the murder of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Mrs Bhutto was killed by a suicide bomber in the city of Rawalpindi last Thursday.

She was widely expected to win a third leadership term in her country's elections.

Bradford Council leader and Worth Valley Ward representative Councillor Kris Hopkins described the assassination as an "evil atrocity". He said: "I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear news of this sickening terrorist attack which must be condemned unreservedly.

"Not only is it a tragic moment for Benazir Bhutto's family, friends and supporters, it is also a devastating day for democracy.

"Ms Bhutto was an extremely brave woman with strong links to Bradford district and her loss will be greatly felt by very many local people."

Cllr Shamim Akhtar, a district councillor for Keighley Central Ward, said: "My feeling is that the Pakistani community here is in a state of shock.

"The people of Pakistan deserve to live in a safe environment just as much as anyone else so I hope they catch the people behind this.

"These extremists are in a small minority and they don't represent the views and beliefs of Muslim people.

"In fact, they should not even be acknowledged as Muslims - they should be completely sidelined."

Mujeeb Rahman, the general secretary of the Keighley Ahmadiyya Muslim Assoc-iation, said: "Pakistan has become a very volatile country - it's future is uncertain.

"The forces of extremism have been unleashed and now the genie is out of the bottle it's very difficult to contain."

He added Mrs Bhutto's previous record in office meant he had doubted her ability to restore democracy to Pakistan. He said democracy without justice is not enough to meet the country's needs.

Keighley Labour councillor Khadim Hussain blamed the Pakistan government for failing to protect Mrs Bhutto.

He said: "The message was that there were people after her and the government was aware of it. The finger of blame will fall in that direction - they did not protect her."

Keighley MP Ann Cryer said: "I think it bodes badly for stability in Pakistan and there will be many people in Bradford district very upset by what has happened."