The mayor of High Wycombe, Khalil Ahmed, released a statement condemning the brutal terrorist attack on satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo that left 12 dead and cost more lives in continuing scenes of violence today.

The Wycombe District councillor, who held a vigil for the schoolchildren killed in the Peshawar massacre in Pakistan last month, also calls for greater respect for religious belief and to value diversity.

Councillor Ahmed said: “The killing of 12 people at Charlie Hebdo is a shocking event and an immense personal tragedy for the families of the journalists, police officers and other members of staff murdered.

“That it appears to be have perpetrated by individuals purporting to act in the name of Islam causes me and the Muslim community in Wycombe and I think around the country great sadness and concern.

“Sadness because Islam is truly a religion of peace and these killings – including of a Muslim police officer – have no place in Islam.

“Concern because it may fuel a developing anti-Islamic campaign which is emerging across Europe.

“That is bad for society and undermines community cohesion which we all want and which makes Wycombe as elsewhere a good, pleasant and safe place to live.

“I would like to add that an essential part of community cohesion in Wycombe is tolerance and understanding.

“Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of our democracy but even in a liberal democracy that freedom has some limits imposed by law and with the right comes responsibility in its use.

“Although blasphemy was abolished as a criminal offence in 2008 the reason why it had existed (although it only protected Christianity) was because it was designed to ‘safeguard the internal tranquillity’ of the country.

“Insulting a person’s fundamental beliefs was likely to lead to unrest.

“For the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world insulting the prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) is a grievous matter.

“I therefore hope that whilst we all join together to condemn the killings and emphasise the fundamental importance to society of freedom of expression that we can also find some space to reflect on the importance of respect for other’s fundamental beliefs and on the benefits to society as a whole and to individual communities of striking the right balance.

“I am sure that all the people of Wycombe, which has a great tradition of respect, understanding and co-operation will join me in condemning the killings and continuing to respect each other and our beliefs and to value the diversity of our wonderful town.”