The Muslim Council of Britain called on police to explain why an Asian man - a ''suspected suicide bomber'' - was shot dead Friday at Stockwell station in south London.

A council spokesman said Muslims are ``jumpy and nervous'' and fear reprisal attacks.

``I have just had one phone call saying `What if I was carrying a rucksack?''' said Inayat Bunglawala, referring to the rucksack bombs used in attacks on London.

``It's vital the police give a statement about what occurred and explain why the man was shot dead. We are getting phone calls from quite a lot of Muslims who are distressed about what may be a shoot-to-kill policy.''

Stockwell is one stop south of Oval station, one of three Underground stops targeted Thursday, together with a double-decker bus.