A march to show solidarity with the family of murdered soldier Lee Rigby organised by a Muslim group attracted about 30 people last night.

The march started in Barking before walking down Ilford Lane, Ilford and ending outside the Sainsbury’s supermarket Roden Street, Ilford at about 7pm.

It was organised by Shakir Qureshi, who chairs Pakistani think tank Karwan-e-Fikr UK, after the 25-year-old solider was stabbed to death in Woolwich.

Mr Qureshi, from Barking, said: “This area is famous for its diverse community. We must unite to prove we can live in harmony. The murder was a plan to terrorise this country, and we do not want anything happening here like is happening in some countries in the world.”

He said he had been victim to online racist abuse in the past week, particularly since organising the walk, and warned that extremist groups on both sides must be dealt with.

Diane Neslen, who chairs the Redbridge Equalities and Community Council, said: “I am delighted to be here to express our solidarity with the family and express our commitment to unity in the community.”