Cartoon advising bystanders what to do if they see an Islamophobic attack is circulated on 'Punish a Muslim Day'

A cartoon advising bystanders what to do if they witness an Islamophobic attack is being circulated online on a day dubbed ‘Punish a Muslim Day’.

Muslims were warned to be vigilant but urged not to be deterred from their daily routines on April 3 after threatening letters sent to various people urged attacks corresponding – a date referred to in threatening letters as a time to carry out attacks on Muslims.

The topic trended on Twitter, with some people expressing concerns about going out and others offering their support to Muslims and other minorities.

A cartoon drawn and written by illustrator ‘Maeril’ was also shared offering advice to bystanders if they witness an Islamophobic attack.

It urges them to engage the victim in conversation and ignore the attacker, while keeping eye contact and not acknowledging the attacker’s presence.

A fourth step urges the bystander to continue the conversation until the attacker leaves, before escorting the victim to a safe place if necessary.

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It adds: “Bring them to a neutral area where they can recollect themselves; respect their wishes if they tell you they’re ok and just want to go”.

The guide was also shared by Maeril, who tweeted: “Please be careful out there today, let’s look out for our Muslim friends!”

It comes as Tell MAMA UK, an organisation which monitors anti-Muslim activity, also issued advice to people.

In a security bulletin, it urged people to “continue your daily routines” yet remain vigilant and look after each other and said the threats were being investigated by police as a matter of “utmost seriousness”.

It issued a series of safety tips to potential victims, saying:

• Be alert to your surroundings

• Stick to public routes you know are well lit and busy

• Avoid shortcuts through unlit areas. If it feels unsafe, find a more public route, especially at night.

• Let a family member or friend know about your travel plans

• If you are worried, carry a personal alarm and use it when needed

• If you are attacked or abused, try to note down the perpetrator(s) appearance, clothing and where the incident took place. If safe to do so, take a photograph and then report the incident to Tell MAMA or the police.

• In an emergency always dial 999

The Met Police advises anyone who thinins they have witnessed a hate crime to contact 999 if they think the situation is dangerous and could escalate, or to fill out this online form.

(Top picture: Getty)