Hawzah News Agency - Yorkshire Muslim leaders have called on the community to stop further protests outside Batley Grammar School after a teacher showed Prophet Muhammad caricatures in class.

The Islamic Council of Yorkshire, which represents hundreds of Muslim leaders across the region, has voiced concern over health and safety issues and said the issue must be resolved "peacefully".

Protesters turned up outside the school gates on Thursday and Friday, demanding the sacking of the religious studies teacher.

While both the school and the teacher have apologised, protesters say the school has not taken the issue seriously and warned they would show up "every day until the teacher is sacked".

The Islamic Council of Yorkshire has commended headteacher Gary Kibble for taking rapid action by suspending the teacher who showed the caricatures and asked people to stop their protests.

Mr Muhammad Qadri, Secretary General of Islamic Council of Yorkshire said: "This cartoon row must be resolved peacefully without endangering the safety of the school pupils, parents and the local community.

"The school policies and staff training in the Religious Education subject at Batley Grammar School must be reviewed immediately by the headteacher to ensure such incidents do not occur again."

He added: "Religious sentiments have been hurt in the Batley Muslim Community and therefore this must be a gradual peaceful process to restore confidence in the Muslim community."

Mr Qadri's message echoes that of Educating Yorkshire star Musharaf 'Mushy' Asghar. The motivational speaker who went to school in nearby Dewsbury and was the breakout star of the Channel 4 show tweeted his concerns about the current protest methods.

He wrote: "I completely understand the frustration this has caused to us Muslims. But chanting “Allahu-Akbar” outside a high school is definitely not the answer. Think about the impression you’re making. May Allah guide us all. #BatleyGrammar #ProphetMuhammad."

Since the lesson on Monday, the school has "unequivocally" apologised over the material used and said they have immediately withdrawn teaching on this part of the course to review how to go forward.

The teacher has been suspended pending an independent formal investigation and is believed to be under police protection.

In a statement, headteacher Gary Kibble said: "It is important for children to learn about faiths and beliefs, but this must be done in a sensitive way.