A SOUTH Essex Muslim leader has called for the introduction of Sharia law after suffering another spate of attacks on his property.

Brother Sarfraz Sarwar, head of Basildon Islamic Centre, has backed remarks by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams about accepting aspects of the Muslim laws, claiming there is currently no deterrent for yobs.

In the latest attacks Brother Sarwar had stones hurled at a window at his home, was racially abused, and suffered slashed tyres and broken windows on his Audi A4.

Mr Sarwar said: "All my tyres were slashed late last year as well. People do this because we live in a yob society and there is no deterrent. Under Sharia law they would be flogged.

"A thief's hand is cut off and murderers are hanged. In Muslim countries you do not get crimes like this to others' property. What the archbishop said is a wake up call to Muslim people.

"We have communities in England where Muslim youths are out of control as well and need a proper deterrent."

He argued Sharia law should be introduced for Muslim communities, to show that it works, before being spread countrywide.

He said: "We already have Sharia law introduced in banks in this country and for marriages and divorces."

In 2004 Mr Sarwar suffered repeated broken windows and had bacon and pig's trotters left on his doorstep.

The Triangle Community Centre, in Langdon Hills, which his group hired for prayers, was repeatedly set on fire in 2006, until it burnt to the ground.

Essex Police spokesman Nishan Wijeratne said: "Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding racially motivated attacks. Specialist officers from the hate crime unit are investigating."