23/01/2013

Arrest Made In Connection With 'Muslim Patrol' Videos

A Met police investigation into videos posted online of self-styled Muslim vigilantes harassing members of the public has lead to the arrest of two men.

A number of videos appeared on online featuring a group thought to be connected to so-called "Muslim patrols" of Whitechapel. In the latest video a group of men describe themselves as "vigilantes implementing Islam upon your own necks", and are seen following a man and saying: "Get out of here you fag … Don't stay around here any more."

He is told that he is "walking through a Muslim area dressed like a fag".

In a statement released last week East London Mosque condemned the actions and said they had contacted police to alert them to the presence of the individuals claiming to be 'Muslim patrols', saying they had been harassing members of the public on the streets of east London late at night, including outside the mosque after it has closed.

The Metropolitan Police said a 22-year-old man was arrested in Acton on Sunday while a 19-year-old man voluntarily attended an east London police station on Monday.

The men are being held in connection with incidents that took place over the course of 12-13 January.

A Met spokesperson said: "The pair were arrested on suspicion of GBH and Public Order offences and have been bailed to return to an east London police station on a dates in February and March pending further enquiries.

(H/GK)

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