Police in Tower Hamlets continue to investigate after a man was attacked in the street in Whitechapel in what is now being treated as a hate crime assault.

Officers were called at 13:18hrs on Friday, 15 March, to Cannon Street Road, Whitechapel to reports of an assault.

It has now been established that three males in a car made anti-Muslim comments to an individual before getting out of a blue Ford Fiesta and attacking him with a weapon – believed to be a blunt object.

The suspects returned to their car and left the scene before police arrived.

Enquiries are ongoing to trace this vehicle. The suspects are all described as white men, believed to be aged in their 20s. The victim is an Asian man.

The London Ambulance Service were called, but the 27-year-old victim was driven directly to an east London hospital by friends.

At hospital, it was established that the victim had sustained a head injury, which was not believed to be serious. He left the hospital without being treated. He then attended another London hospital for his injuries and subsequently discharged. Officers are in contact with the victim and have now taken a full statement on what took place. There are no other reported injuires.

Enquiries are ongoing. Officers are aware of footage of the incident on social media. Anyone with footage of the incident is requested to contact police.

Detectives from the Central East Command Unit are investigating.

DCI Sean Channing said: “This was a horrible hate crime assault on a man going about his daily business. Whilst there were initial Islamophobic comments made by this group towards the individual which are being treated seriously, I would like to make clear that at no point did the group approach any mosque or congregation in the area. There is no evidence to suggest that the mosque near the area was the intended target.

“We are working to trace the three suspects involved and are appealing for anyone who was there or has information to get in touch.”

No arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 quoting CAD 3563/15MAR or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is committed to tackling hate crime in all its forms, supporting victims and their families and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Hate Crime can be reported through 999 in an emergency, by dialling 101 in a non-emergency, or directly at a police station.