Police probe 'hammer' attack outside east London mosque

Two men holding objects were caught on camera after the incident
Jacob Jarvis16 March 2019
WEST END FINAL

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Police are investigating a hammer attack outside an east London mosque.

During the incident three men reportedly exited a ford Fiesta and turned on a man, 27, with a weapon, believed to be a hammer or a similar object.

The trio then returned to their car and fled the scene in Cannon Street Road, Whitechapel shortly after 1pm on Friday.

Footage on social media showed the group shouting in the street with one man clinging to the car's bonnet as it drove away from the scene with its back window smashed.

Some people claimed the attackers had branded worshippers at the mosque "terrorists". However police said a motive had not yet been established and that initial witness reports suggested that it was not a hate crime but they were retaining an open mind.

The victim was rushed to hospital by his friends but his injuries are not believed to be serious and he left the hospital without receiving treatment.

A statement from the Met Police said: "It was reported that three males got out of a blue Ford Fiesta and attacked another man with a weapon - believed to be a hammer or other blunt object.

"The suspects returned to their car and left the scene before police arrived.

"Enquiries are ongoing to trace this vehicle. The suspects are all described as white men, believed to be aged in their 20s."

Detectives from the Central East Command Unit are investigating and the motive has not been established.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 quoting CAD 3563/15MAR or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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