Mosque tour cancelled due to far right protest

Mosque Tours were due to be held at the East London Mosque on Saturday but had to be cancelled due to a far right protest.

Britain First, a far right nationalist group, held a protest outside the mosque with the aim to increase tensions in Tower Hamlets. It was their third attempt in recent weeks to divide the community.

Britain First members blocked an entrance to the mosque and were holding flags, large wooden crosses and a big yellow banner reading “No more mosques”.

After scuffles with broke out with locals who protested at their presence, Britain First left the area.

In a video taken at the scene, locals and worshippers from the mosque are heard shouting “get out” as the police move the protesters away.

Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets and Mile End local councillor, Rachael Saunders, offered her support to East London Mosque following the unacceptable intimidation from Britain First.

Visiting to offer support to East London mosque following further unacceptable intimidation from Britain First today pic.twitter.com/j0ZxBgBdGp

— Rachael Saunders (@RachaelSaunders) April 9, 2016

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Police were called following reports of a protest outside the East London Mosque on Whitechapel Road.

“Officers attended and spoke with the group. A short time later, a counter-protest commenced. Two men were subsequently arrested.”

One man was held on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Another was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to cause criminal damage.