MUSLIMS in the UK have held a memorial service for a firebrand Iranian military leader wiped out in a devastating US drone strike.

Hundreds of mourners squeezed into the Islamic Centre of England in London to pay their last respects to hardline General Qasem Soleimani.

7 Mourners sit beneath a picture of Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at the Islamic Centre of England Credit: PA:Press Association

General Qasem Soleimani was the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force

The military commander was killed along with five others outside Baghdad airport in Iraq in an airstrike authorised by Donald Trump.

The US President later insisted the top secret attack was carried out to save the lives of hundreds in America and Europe.

On Friday, the religious centre's director posted a message of condolence in which he described Soleimani as an "honourable Islamic commander".

The centre then invited people to attend a special 'memorial majlis' late on Saturday afternoon.

Pictures showed mourners sitting beneath a painting of Soleimani and Iraqi military commander Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, who also died in the strike.

7 The religious centre's director posted a message calling Soleimani an 'honourable Islamic commander' Credit: PA:Press Association

7 Saturday's service was held hours before the body of Soleimani landed back in his home country Credit: PA:Press Association

A man was arrested outside the centre shortly before the service started.

The Metropolitan Police said he was detained to prevent a breach of peace and for obstructing officers.

It is understood at this stage that the incident is not connected to the memorial event.

Saturday's service was held hours before the body of Soleimani landed back in his home country.

His casket was carried off a plane that touched down in Tehran after making the short flight from Iraq.

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Video showed it wrapped in an Iranian flag being unloaded from a plane as a military band plays and the crowd angrily chanted 'death to America'.

Amir Hatami, Iran's defence minister, has already threatened the US with "crushing revenge" for Gen Soleimani's "unjust assassination".

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei then added "severe revenge awaits the criminals" behind the attack.

7 Locals carry the casket of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani upon arrival at Iran's Ahvaz International Airport Credit: AFP or licensors

7 Following the massive funeral marches in Iraq, his body was then flown to the city of Ahvaz in southwest Iran Credit: MERSAD.DESIGNER@GMAIL.CON

7 The casket was greeted by chants of 'Death to America' as Iran issued new threats of retaliation Credit: AFP or licensors