A man has been charged after an imam was allegedly attacked at a mosque in London.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police were called to the Al-Karam Mosque in Katherine Road, Forest Gate at 5.30am on July 22 with reports of an assault.

At the scene, a man was found suffering from injuries and was taken to hospital. 

The mosque has released a statement saying that the victim was an imam, leading prayer before the alleged attack. He has since been discharged from hospital.

The Imam has since been discharged from hospitalThe imam has since been discharged from hospital (Image: Google Maps) A 32-year-old man was charged on July 23 with possession of an offensive weapon and assault by beating. 

He was due to appear at Thames Magistrates' Court today (July 24). 

The Met has confirmed it is not treating the assault as a hate crime.

The mosque said in its statement that it is "profoundly grateful" that the imam survived and praised the police response.

Security at the mosque has been heightened, including new regulated opening and closing of the mosque during prayer times. 

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Ch Insp Sarah Jackson said: “I know that this is an alarming incident. We are treating it with the utmost seriousness.

"Local faith officers have visited the mosque to meet those directly impacted. We are in touch with other partners to provide wider reassurance.

"Officers are also providing a high visibility presence at the mosque for Friday prayers and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to speak to them.”