Police have carried out a major sting operation at the Alexandra Road Mosque and have arrested a man they have been calling 'Mr. Big.' A police insider told us, "Oh, he's real small fry, but we use that name for anyone we have to use the hydraulic lift to get into the back of a black maria."

Mr. Iqbal, who is vice chairman of the local Pakistani Community Centre, is accused of assaulting the now Tory councillor for Park ward before the local elections. He declined to comment on the charge, but his solicitor read out a prepared statement. "I am outraged by this arrest and this vicious slur on my character. This will bring shame to myself, my family and dishonour my good family name. I am not and never have been a member of the Reading Labour Party. Anyway, he was asking for it."

Mr Iqbal will be appearing in a court near you soon.