A weekly newspaper has apologised for a picture-headline juxtaposition after being criticised for splashing on a story about an explosion on the same front page as a photograph of Muslims.

The Bedford Times & Citizen said sorry following criticism from community group Islam Bedford for running a photo from a community Iftar event – the meal served at sunset during Ramadan to break the day’s fast – above a separate story with the headline “Arrest after ‘explosion'” on the cover.

The Times & Citizen has said in response that the articles were “clearly indicated as separate stories” and that its intention was to “counterbalance the negative lead story with a very positive story”, but apologised for any offence caused.

The front cover had prompted Islam Bedford to issue a statement expressing its “disappointment and frustration” at the front page design, pictured below, describing it as “deeply concerning and undeniably misleading”.

The group warned it could contribute towards “further prejudice and discrimination against Muslims” at a time when anti-Muslim hate crime is increasing.

In a statement posted on Twitter on Saturday, Islam Bedford said: “Islam Bedford, on behalf of Bedford’s Muslim community, express our disappointment and frustration regarding the recent front page of the Bedford Times & Citizen dated 13 April 2023.

“The coverage of our community Iftar event, Bedford Street Iftar, being positioned alongside the headline “Arrest after ‘explosion'” is deeply concerning, and undeniably misleading.

“As a community that strives for inclusivity and harmony, we are shocked that the placement of these two stories could very easily be seen and read as being the same story — a connection between a Muslim Iftar event and the explosion, which we firmly believe is both irresponsible and insensitive.

“In the current climate of heightened Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crime on the rise, such an irresponsible editorial decision can contribute to further prejudice and discrimination against Muslims.

“We have sent the Times & Citizen an email expressing our disappointment and frustration and are awaiting a response.”

The Times & Citizen’s splash covered an explosion in the Bedfordshire village of Sharnbrook last week.

A man in his 40s was arrested following the incident, which was attended by counter-terrorism police, and was taken to hospital with life-changing injuries.

David Summers, editorial director for National World’s Central region, told HTFP: “The Times & Citizen values the community it serves and there was absolutely no intention to offend.

“The two articles were clearly indicated as separate stories but if anyone has taken offence we offer our sincere apologies.

“It is normal to run more than one story on the front – and the thinking at the time was to counterbalance the negative lead story with a very positive story at the top of the page to show that we are supportive of the community.

“We look forward to continuing to work with all groups in the community to further strengthen positive relations between them and the paper.”