DAVID Cameron today criticised a Muslim community leader who compared anti-terror raids in Birmingham to the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany.

The Tory leader, who met Muslim elders at Birmingham Central Mosque for almost two hours, emerged from the talks to urge all sections of the community to support the police.

Speaking outside the mosque, Mr Cameron also rejected claims by its chairman, Dr Mohammad Naseem, that Britain is becoming a police state and that the terror threat has been invented.

"He's completely and utterly wrong and I think that's not responsible at all," Mr Cameron said.

"It's quite clear from the events of 7/7 and other events that Britain does face a terrorist threat and we need to confront that and defeat it."

But Mr Cameron added that whilst combating terrorism is vital, it is also essential to make sure that an entire community is not demonised in the process.

"I was very pleased to come to Birmingham today to come and listen to British Muslims and to come and learn.

"For the last few weeks and months, I've been talking about the importance of community cohesion.

"I had a series of meetings this morning about that and also to reflect on some of the recent events in Birmingham.

"It can't be said often enough that British Muslims, the overwhelming majority, want to be part of a strong and successful country and they want to see the barriers come down that can divide us.

"It's also equally clear that there is a small number of very dangerous extremists that we have to confront and defeat... and everyone has to do that, the Muslim community included."

Questioned further about comments made by Dr Naseem last week, Mr Cameron added: "I don't think Britain is becoming a police state.

"We have the rule of law, we have an independent police force and they do an extremely good job - they should be supported."

"It's very important that everybody knows that and reflects on that."

Dr Naseem had likened the treatment of Muslims in Britain to that of Jews in Nazi Germany.

The official also said the UK was becoming a police state and accused the Government of "picking on" the Muslim community to pursue a political goal.

He said the nine terror arrests in the city last week were an example of the Government justifying its political agenda and anti-terror laws.

"They have invented this perception of a threat," he told reporters.

Talking to the Press Association today, Dr Naseem was reluctant to disclose details of the talks.

"I think dialogue of any kind is always a help and in time it will bear fruit," he said.

Mr Cameron's visit, his second to Birmingham in eight days, followed his first major intervention on Islamic extremism.

He urged ministers last week to pay less attention to "loud" Muslim groups who often do not represent the views of their communities.

Mr Cameron said many such groups pursue an agenda of "separation rather than integration", and the Government could not afford to "defer" to their views.