Fourteen rabbis from Essex and North-East London signed a letter of solidarity with a local mosque following a suspected racially aggravated attack on its members last week,

Worshippers leaving the Ilford Islamic Centre were pelted with eggs and other items in an incident being investigated by the Metropolitan Police.

In the letter, co-ordinated by Woodford Forest Synagogue minister Rabbi Mordechai Wollenberg, the ministers condemned the “deplorable and indefensible” attack.

“No resident of Redbridge should have to fear attack simply for attending a place of worship. There can be zero tolerance for any hatred of this kind.”

Rabbi Wollenberg said he had reached out to local rabbis on WhatsApp after the incident regarding an immediate expression of support. “We know what it’s like to be on the receiving end. For all the people who signed that letter, it was a natural thing.”

When those in leadership positions took a stand, it sent “a very strong message”.

Rabbi Wollenberg added that the group had received a “very nice” response from the mosque.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman said officers would be undertaking enhanced patrols in the area and asked anyone with information to call 101.