Religious groups' fury at Osama bin Lego toy

A range of children's toy figures which includes an al Qaeda terrorist and a Nazi major has outraged religious leaders.

The two-inch toy terrorist comes with a rocket launcher, two guns and eight grenades and a head scarf to cover his identity.

The figures, costing £9.50, are by US toy manufacturer BrickArms which customises military-themed toys from Lego pieces.

The latest range also includes the Nazi officer, which has SS insignias and a stormtrooper with grenade launchers.

Religious groups today hit out at the range. Mohammed Shaffiq, chief executive of Muslim youth organisation the Ramadhan Foundation, said: "It is glorifying terrorism - the makers should be ashamed.

"We should be coming together to unite against terrorism but how is that possible with children playing with toys like this?"

Edie Friedman, director of the Jewish Council for Racial Equality, said: "These distasteful toys are something we could all do without."

A spokesman for Lego said: "Lego UK is not associated with the toys being sold by BrickArms, which have been customised without Lego UK's knowledge or permission.

"BrickArms is not licensed by Lego UK to customise Lego figures and has no links to the Lego brand.

"Lego UK is committed to developing toys which enrich childhood by encouraging imaginative and creative play - and does not endorse products that do not fit with this philosophy."