“The combination of hot heads and hot weather is a dangerous mix. Add to that anti-Muslim sentiment and you may have what lies behind the attack on a group of people leaving the mosque after evening prayers in London on Sunday.

“I have asked the Chief Constable to ensure that South Yorkshire Police have an enhanced visible presence around local mosques, especially during Ramadan. I would advise everyone to keep alert while not being alarmed.

“These acts of terror, wherever they come from, are utterly repugnant to the vast majority of us. They will achieve nothing other than to make us more united around our shared values because we understand very well that a house divided against itself cannot stand.”