The leader of Wycombe District Council has condemned the shootings in Paris last week, but disagrees with the town’s mayor that “insulting a person’s fundamental beliefs was likely to lead to unrest”.

A terrorist attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo left 12 dead on Wednesday and further fatalities in scenes of violence on Friday.

Conservative councillor Richard Scott’s comments come after Wycombe mayor, Councillor Khalil Ahmed, released a statement on Friday concerning the Paris attacks.

Councillor Scott said: “There is no doubt that the barbaric atrocities that took place in Paris last week shocked the world.

“However, Sunday’s unity rally attended by world leaders and over a million people of different faiths showed the strength of solidarity against terrorism and violent extremism.

“Wycombe District Council proudly represents a diverse and cosmopolitan community; we spend a lot of time working with the public and respect all beliefs.

“We note the views of the Mayor of High Wycombe, but do not agree with his claim that ‘insulting a person’s fundamental beliefs was likely to lead to unrest’.

“The targeting of innocent people was an attack on the principles of freedom of speech and expression, which we strongly condemn.

“On behalf the district, we would like to offer our condolences to everyone who lost loved ones in the shootings.

“The terrorists who did this were trying to divide our communities, but attacks like this will only bring us together and make us stronger.”

Zafar Iqbal, Wycombe Mosque chairman, also pledged his support and sympathy for those who died in the Paris shootings.

Mr Iqbal said: “The Muslim community in High Wycombe unequivocally stands against all acts of violent extremism.

“The brutal killing of innocence cannot be justified by any degree.

“This is a time of grieving for everyone.

“On behalf of the Muslim community in Wycombe I would like to extend my sincerest condolences also.”