Police are running extra patrols near Bartlett Park in Poplar after a sign warning dog-walkers to stay out of “Islamic areas” was discovered by a resident on Wednesday.

East London Advertiser: Jim Fitzpatrick MPJim Fitzpatrick MP (Image: Archant)

An investigation is underway after calls from Poplar and Limehouse MP Jim Fitzpatrick MP in a letter to Tower Hamlets police.

The sign reads: “Do not walk your dog here! Muslims do not like dogs. This is an Islamic area now.”

A police spokesman said they remain open-minded about the motive behind the signs.

In his letter, Mr Fitzpatrick said: “I have no idea whether this was posted by the EDL, Islamists or another organisation. Regardless, this is a highly divisive sign.”

He called for an investigation and asked what the council is “currently doing to prevent signs like this from appearing”.

Tower Hamlets Council called the sign as “divisive” and said it was working with the police to investigate.

Borough Commander Dave Stringer said: “Bartlett Park does not have any history of community tension.

“However, we are investigating the posting of these signs and conducting additional patrols to ensure that community reassurance and confidence are maintained in the area.

“We will continue to work with our borough partners to ensure that Tower Hamlets remains a safe and secure place to live work and raise families.”

A Tower Hamlets Council spokeswoman said: “We have been alerted to a fly-poster stuck on a sign post near Bartlett Park.

“We have removed it and are liaising with the police to investigate this alarming and divisive poster.

“The council actively promotes the No Place for Hate campaign whereby people of different faiths, cultures, lifestyles and backgrounds live in harmony.

“This means we support community cohesion and would not want the actions of any individual or small group to impact on this.”

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