Hate crime protest: Demonstrators descend on east London against acid attacks and Islamophobia

Scores of demonstrators gathered to protest against recent acid attacks and Islamophobia in east London.

Protesters carrying banners that read: ‘stop racist attacks’ and ‘no racism’ descended in their numbers on Stratford train station on Wednesday evening.

A minute’s silence was held in solidarity with the victims of several recent acid attacks on Muslims in the capital, with demonstrators calling for change.

The demo came after police confirmed a horrific substance attack on an aspiring young model and her cousin in Newham was being treated as a hate crime.

Resham Khan and Jameel Muhktar, 37, were attacked by a man throwing acid through their car window on Ms Khan's 21st birthday in Beckton on June 21.

Bothwere left with life-changing injuries after the horrific attack, which Mr Muhktar said he believes was “something to do with Islamophobia.”

Speaking for the first time after the incident, he said: “Maybe he’s got it in for Muslims because of the things that have been going on lately. I don’t know if people are trying to retaliate. We’re innocent people. We didn’t deserve that.

“I’ve never seen this guy in my life. I don’t have any problems with anybody. My cousin is 21, she’s a business student. Why would anyone do that to us?”