Muslim community in London on heightened alert amid Israel-Hamas war

Police officers have been on standby outside the East London Mosque in Whitechapel. Photograph: Jack Taylor/Getty Images

As worshippers arrived for Friday afternoon prayers at the East London Mosque, they were met by an unusual welcoming party of three police officers by the main door on Whitechapel Road.

“No, it’s not normal,” said Nasim Ahmed, 49. “It’s a decision that was taken following Gaza. So last week, we had the police inspector here with two of his officers and it’s just really for reassurance.”