Thousands visit Ahmadiyya Muslim convention in Alton

The event in Alton is Britain's largest Islamic gathering, with representatives from 50 countries attending. Basharat Nazir, organiser of the Jalsa Salana event, said he estimated about 30,000 people had taken part.

Ahmadiyya Muslims reject violent jihad and have used the meeting to highlight the plight of persecuted minorities.

The movement's leader, His Holiness Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, addressed the three-day convention, which also had Christian, Jewish and Hindu leaders speaking.

A number of marquees and tents were erected at the East Worldham community site for the event.

Delegates raised a union flag and formed a human chain to "re-affirm their rejection of violence and extremism".
'Peaceful event'

Mr Nazir said: "In the 1960s, when it started, we had 100 people turn up. (...)