THE terrorists behind the London 7/7 bombings attended a lecture in Dudley months before the attack, it has emerged.

Jihadist turned MI5 spy Aimen Dean has revealed that Anwar al-Awlaki, an American-born preacher who specialised in radicalising Muslims, hosted an eight session lecture in the town in 2003.

Around 40 young men gathered at a converted flat to hear him speak, including Mohammad Sidique Khan, Shehzad Tanweer and Germaine Lindsay – who were part of the four-man terror cell which carried out the attack, killing 52 people in the capital city in July 2005.

Mr Dean, a founding member of al-Queda, shared details of the meetings during an interview with the BBC.

The undercover agent said the trio had travelled from Leeds to hear al-Awlaki speak and had introduced themselves as Mohammad, Shehzad and Abu Abdullah.

He said: "I shook hands with everyone there but I was extremely surprised when I saw their faces as the 7/7 bombers but then the surprise wore off minutes later when I realised yes I remember they were in al-Awlaki's circle.”

Mr Dean said MI5 were “interested” in the lecture and a surveillance operation was set up to monitor those going in and out of the venue but the trio had already left.

Councillor Pete Lowe, leader of Dudley Council, said he was "saddened and surprised" to hear about the meeting.

He said: "I think Dudley is by and large a peaceful town with diverse communities that get on well together. We need to concentrate on the 99.99 per cent rather than the very small minority.

"I'm assured, working with our partners in the police and elsewhere that we maintain good community relations."

Dudley Mosque Association spokesman Amjid Raza added: "We were not aware of the meetings and we condemn terrorism in any shape or form.

"We have been working tirelessly to have a harmonious relationship in our community."

Anyone with concerns or information about possible terrorist activity should call West Midlands Police’s anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321.