CROWDS turned out to a protest in response to a Muslim woman being grabbed by two men as she walked down the street.

The woman, aged in her 20s, was knocked to the ground and dragged by her hijab in Hall Lane, Chingford, on Wednesday, December 14.

The victim was reportedly left lying on the pavement for 20 minutes following the attack which has been described as “Islamophobic”.

Two men helped her to a nearby restaurant where the police and ambulance were called at 8.30pm.

READ MORE: Muslim woman attacked by men near busy high street

More than 200 people attended the vigil in Chingford which was organised by Waltham Forest Stand Up To Racism and MEND Community.

Irfan Akhtar from Waltham Forest Council of Mosques said: “We have to stay strong against the rising tide of Islamophobia.

“We should not passively observe the increase in frequency and severity of attacks, but mobilise to stop the threat we all face.”

Dr Tuba Mazhari, who attended the vigil, said: “It is important that the scale of Islamophobia and the factors which cause it, are recognised by all members of our community.

“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 sends a strong message - we will not be divided; we will not tolerate any form of discrimination and we respect each other’s differences.”

According to Tell MAMA, a group that monitors anti-Muslim incidents, Islamophobic attacks in the UK increased by 326 per cent last year, with Muslim women being the biggest target.

Sophie Bolt, who helped organise the protest, said: “When politicians and the media whip up racism it has a direct result on the streets.

“May’s government and the right wing media are scapegoating immigrants and Muslims to take the blame for austerity.

“But it is government policies that are making people poorer and destroying public services.

“Muslim women must be able to go about their lives free from assault.”

Twenty-two per cent of people living in Waltham Forest are Muslims.

No arrests have been made in connection with the attack.