LONDON, March 31: British Muslim leaders urged every Imam in the country on Wednesday to help the police fight terrorism after the arrest of eight men believed to be Muslims in a major national anti-terror sweep.

The appeal for vigilance was being sent to prayer leaders in over 1,000 mosques, following the arrests and seizure of explosives on Tuesday in Britain's biggest anti-terror operation since the September 11, 2001, attacks.

"We will not tolerate terrorism," Iqbal Sacranie, the Muslim Council of Britain secretary-general, said in a letter to Imams. "It is important that we exercise extra vigilance in terms of fulfilling our duty. If there is anything we become aware of, it is our duty to ensure that this is reported immediately to the police," he said. -Agencies