Muslim in death threat to Prophet publisher

Fundamentalist Anjem Choudhary said repercussions would be "severe" for those involved with the Jewel Of Medina, a fictional account of the prophet's relationship with his 14-year-old wife Aisha.

Anti-terror police were today questioning three men about the attack on the Islington home of Martin Rynja, owner of the publishing company. Searches were also under way at four addresses in Walthamstow, Ilford and Forest Gate.

The Dutch publisher had been warned that he could be targeted by Islamic extremists. His company Gibson Square, which is run from an office in his house, has defended its decision to publish the novel by American Sherry Jones.

The book, described by Mr Rynja as "a moving love story", includes explicit sex scenes branded "softcore pornography" by one critic.

Mr Rynja, 44, was believed to be under armed guard after the attack on his £2.6 million townhouse in Lonsdale Square at about 2.30am on Saturday. He was not hurt but an accelerant was lit in the doorway. Neighbours described seeing smoke and flames.

American publisher, Random House, withdrew the book from publication last month saying it feared a violent reaction by "a small, radical segment" of Muslims.

There are now fears that the book could become a flashpoint similar to Salman Rushdie's Satanic Verses.

Those fears were fuelled as Mr Choudhary, a former lawyer and follower of preacher of hate Abu Hamza, said: "Clearly this book is an attack on the honour of Mohammed. It is clearly stipulated in Muslim law that any kind of attack on his honour carries the death penalty.

"If the publication goes ahead then I think, inevitably, there will be more attacks like this. If this book is published I think the repercussions will be very severe for everyone associated with it."

Detectives were given extra time to question the three suspects at an emergency court hearing yesterday. The men, aged 22, 30 and 40, were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences.

Two of the men were stopped by armed officers and arrested in Lonsdale Square. The third was swooped on by armed police near Angel Tube station inUpper Street.

EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella, who lives in the square, was among residents evacuated by police.