PROTESTORS are hoping to send a strong message of unity after a “terrible” Islamophobic attack on a young woman in a busy high street.

Last Wednesday (December 14), a Muslim woman was grabbed from behind by two men and dragged along the pavement by her hijab in Hall Lane, Chingford.

The woman, aged in her 20s, was left lying on the floor for 20 minutes before two men helped her to the safety of a nearby Turkish restaurant.

Police have still not made any arrests.

In response to the attack, a vigil is being held in Albert Crescent, in Chingford, tonight (December 21) from 6.30pm.

Organised by Waltham Forest Stand up to Racism and community group Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND), many people are expressing their outrage at last week’s attack.

Sophie Bolt from Waltham Forest Stand up to Racism, pointed out a quarter of the borough’s population are Muslim.

She said: “Muslim women must be able to go about their lives free from assault, Islamophobia is totally unacceptable.”

Dr Tuba Mazhari, from Waltham Forest, was appalled by the attack and is “deeply concerned” about the rise in Islamophobic crimes.

She said: “As a Muslim woman, I am also so pleased that the community, regardless of faith or race, has come together to stand against hate.

“It will I hope send a strong message, we will not be divided, we will not tolerate any form of discrimination and we respect each other’s differences.”

Aman Ali, from MEND said there has been 37.5 per cent increase in Islamophobic incidences reported to the police in Waltham Forest.

He added: “It's important that as a community we no longer stand by idle when we witness horrific attacks like this on our streets.

“We must speak out, support victims and report to the police.”