Members of the Muslim community have condemned an Islamic terror attack in Woolwich which killed a serving soldier and claim they are now “treading on eggshells” in Waltham Forest.

The community was quick to condemn yesterday’s attack on the man, who eyewitnesses claim was hacked to death by two men shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is great).

Two men remain under arrest in hospital after being shot by police.

A passerby filmed one man with bloodied hands saying he carried out the attack because British soldiers 'kill Muslims every day'.

Further arrests were made after what are thought to be revenge attacks on mosques in Braintree and Gillingham last night and local Muslim figures fear tensions could flare up in Waltham Forest as well.

Vice chairman of the Waltham Forest Race Equality Council, Afzal Malik, said: “I totally condemn it, it is a horrendous attack. They disgust me. All Muslims here are in shock.

“But I’m very worried about the reaction there could be. I appeal to the Muslim community to be calm and peaceful.

“We have great cultural relations in our borough but this tests them. It’s scary and I hope nothing happens, Waltham Forest is a strong community of all races and creeds. I hope there is no reaction.”

Aslan Hansa, a member of the Noor-Ul-Islam Trust in High Road, Leyton, added: "We're treading on eggshells here. It is a very big concern. The community is united but these events could threaten to split people."