'Muslim Vigilantes': Video Abuse Victim Found

The victim of a "Muslim vigilante" attack that was filmed and uploaded to YouTube has come forward after a police appeal.

The man was one of a number of people who were harassed on east London streets in a single weekend earlier this month.

Several incidents were filmed and the footage posted online.

In the video highlighted by Scotland Yard, called "Muslim vigilantes in London harass and taunt gay male", the gang can be seen to abuse the man with homophobic language.

Investigating officers from the Tower Hamlets borough were unsure exactly where and when the video took place and launched a media appeal in an effort to track down the victim.

Police on Monday said the man was being interviewed.

In a second video posted online, men in Whitechapel, east London, tell another man "no drink in this area, it's a Muslim area" before ordering him to pour away his alcohol.

Another video posted on YouTube featured a woman wearing a miniskirt being told not to "expose" herself near a mosque.

The "vigilantes" were condemned by Islamic leaders in London. The East London Mosque called their behaviour "utterly unacceptable".

Five people, including a 17-year-old, have been arrested in connection with the investigation, including the homophobic attack.

Scotland Yard said: "Metropolitan Police Service takes these incidents very seriously and is pursuing various lines of enquiry with a view to identifying and prosecuting the individuals concerned."

:: Anyone who feels they may have been a victim or witness is asked to call the incident room on 0207 275 4758, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.