Enfield Council leader Michael Rye has been visiting sections of the community who feel under threat of revenge attacks in the wake of the events of July 7 and 21 in London.

The police investigation into the two terror attacks have revealed that one of the suspects in the July 21 failed bombings claimed asylum with a Somalian passport, which has led to members of the Somalian community fearing a backlash.

Cllr Rye visited the Somalian Enfield Community and Cultural Association (SECCA) and Ponders End Mosque last week.

He said: "It is awful that, due to the actions of a few fanatics, the Somalian community fear they may have been tarred with the same brush.

"Anyone who takes their anger out on the Muslim community or any other community on the back of the terrorist outrages are not only ignorant but are playing into the hands of the extremists who want violence and disharmony in our community."

SECCA spokesman Mohammed Dahir added: "We come from a country which has terrorist problems and we are thankful to this country which has protected us.

"These terrorists have nothing to do with our community and Islam. Islam is not for taking life."

Cllr Rye's visits followed reports of a rise in bombings-related hate crime. From July 7 to July 18, 17 racially motivated incidents have been reported to Enfield police a rise of seven on the same period last year.

Enfield anti-hate crime co-ordinator Kaunchita Maudhub is concerned there may be a number of other incidents which have not been reported.

She said: "I would urge anyone who has been a victim of any incidents to report it to the police or community safety unit."

To report a hate crime, call the community safety unit on 8379 4182.