Faith leaders and representatives of civic and community groups came together under the banner of “One London One Community” at the East London mosque to condemn Saturday’s attack and call for unity.

Muhammad Habibur-Rahman, the mosque’s chair, said Londoners were united against “those who try to divide us”. He described the perpetrators as “evil terrorists” who espoused a “twisted narrative and perversion of the religion of Islam”.

The mosque had stopped extremists at the door, he said, but they “continue to harass out worshippers”.

He added: "Their hatred of mainstream Muslims rivals that of the extreme right."

Mehri Niknam of the Joseph Interfaith Foundation, which comprises Jews and Muslims, welcomed condemnations of recent attacks but added: "To condemn is only half way. We must also actively confront loudly and clearly."

the traditional Islamic prayer – a ritual normally performed for every Muslim regardless of their actions