More than 100 people gathered outside Noor Ul Islam Mosque on High Road in Leyton on the evening of Tuesday 14 July to show support for a congregant who was attacked a week earlier, in an incident now being treated as racially aggravated.
Police and emergency response
The Metropolitan Police were called to the mosque at about 9.51pm on Tuesday 7 July. On arrival officers found a man said to be in his 50s who had been assaulted and subjected to racist abuse. London Ambulance Service paramedics took him to hospital; his injuries were described by the force as "neither life‑threatening nor life‑changing".
A 42‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. He was himself hospitalised after suffering a head injury during the incident.
Community response and interfaith solidarity
The vigil was organised by Waltham Forest Stand Up to Racism and brought together groups from the Waltham Forest Loved and Wanted Alliance, local civic organisations and political representatives, including Waltham Forest Council leader Paul Perkins.
- Over 100 residents and activists attended the event on 14 July.
- The original incident occurred at around 9.51pm on 7 July.
- The victim, a man in his 50s, was taken to hospital; injuries were not life-threatening.
“We wanted to show solidarity with the congregation of the mosque, and to communicate the message ‘Whoever you are, wherever you are from, you are loved and wanted in London’.”
The remark above was made at the event by Terry Day of Age UK Waltham Forest. Rabbi Richard Jacobi of the East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue also spoke, offering the Jewish community’s support and warning that attacks on one faith community can presage assaults on others.
What this means locally
The demonstration underlined concerns about hate‑related incidents in the borough and the role of community networks in response. Participants emphasised a zero‑tolerance approach to racially motivated attacks and reaffirmed their commitment to support for the mosque congregation.
Officials and community leaders hope the visible show of interfaith solidarity will reassure residents and deter further attacks. The police investigation into the alleged assault remains a matter for the Metropolitan Police.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Noor Ul Islam Mosque, High Road, Leyton |
| Date of assault | 7 July (reported c. 9.51pm) |
| Solidarity event | 14 July (over 100 attendees) |
| Police action | Man (42) arrested on suspicion of GBH; suspect hospitalised |
The council and community groups have urged anyone with information about the assault to contact the Metropolitan Police. Local residents and faith leaders continue to monitor the situation closely as inquiries proceed.
