INTELLIGENCE gathering operations by police in Tayside, aimed at preventing a future terrorist attack, have led to a deterioration in relations with Islamic communities, a leading Muslim organisation has warned.

The Muslim Association of Britain (Mab) said it had received numerous complaints over moves by Special Branch officers to contact university associations, businesses and members of the Islamic community, claiming members of the public were being harassed.

It has now written to Tayside Police to lodge a formal complaint over the Special Branch Community Contact Unit (SBCCU), which was established in the wake of last year's terrorist bombings in London to provide information on potential extremism.

The force has defended the measures, claiming they have led to closer community links and are likely to be taken up by other forces in Scotland.

Osama Saeed, Mab's Scottish spokesman, said young Muslims had been approached by members of the unit and quizzed about their political views at their homes, workplaces and Islamic society meetings at Dundee and Abertay universities.

Plain-clothed officers had spoken to Muslim students at freshers stalls during the first week of university, asking them questions about their views on the conflict in Lebanon, he said: "Obviously, if people are talking about bombings or killing infidels, they would be reported to police. But it's not clear what sort of other activities are supposed to be reported. Parents are concerned that their children are coming under the eye of the police."

However, the accusations were rejected by Tayside Police which claimed officers from SBCCU only made contact with individuals and groups after being invited. Some Muslim leaders have also supported the unit's role.

Constable Brian Young, a member of the unit, denied they had been operating covertly, saying they always identified themselves to members of the public.

"We are seeking the assistance of communities to provide indications of activity that could lead to acts of terrorism or extremism, " he said.

"The police have always asked for the public's help in preventing crime. Without the information they provide, our job would be much more difficult, if not impossible."

Asif Iqbal, vice-president of Dundee University's Islamic Society, said he was "relaxed" about the Special Branch unit. "The two guys who work in the unit are nice blokes and as there is no extremism here we talk mainly about football and cricket, " he said.