Following clashes between the English Defence League (EDL) and some local people in Whitechapel on Saturday, local MP Rushanara Ali said: “We’ve shown time and again that there is no place for groups like the EDL and the far right in Bethnal Green and Bow.

There is no place for violence and hate in our community. What is important now is that we remain calm and don’t rise to the provocation from the EDL who want to stir up unrest in our community.”

A disturbance broke out on Whitechapel Road on Saturday afternoon when EDL supporters came to the area following a gathering in Barking. One man was injured and 15 arrested.

Speaking to the BBC on Saturday afternoon Rushanara Ali praised the efforts of local police saying:

"I was out visiting constituents when I saw the police cars. As far as I could see, the police were doing their job. There were a lot of young people around but the police are very adept at handling these situations.

"The police have reassured me that they will have an increased presence in the area."