A Muslim man from Hornsey was attacked and racially abused as authorities in Haringey appealed for calm and tolerance in the wake of last week's foiled alleged terrorist attack.

The victim of the assault, an unnamed 30-year-old black British man, was walking along West Green Road, south Tottenham, when the incident happened. It was shortly after 12pm on Thursday - the same day anti-terror police arrested 24 people in connection with the major bomb plot. Tensions had heightened in the Tottenham area that morning after a bomb scare in West Green Road.

Haringey police say the foiled plot and bomb scare may both have been motivations for the assault.

Two suspects, both black men, followed the Muslim victim, his wife and child along the road making racial comments, including allegedly saying all Muslims should be shot'. The victim and his wife were wearing Muslim dress. The suspects then attacked the man, punching and kicking him. He was treated by the London Ambulance Service for facial injuries.

The suspects, a 34-year-old from south Tottenham, and a 21-year-old from Barnet, were bailed pending further enquiries.

Confirming none of those arrested in last week's foiled plot were from the borough, Chief Superintendent Simon O'Brien, borough commander, condemned those who turn to terrorism. "These people are not part of cohesive communities," he said. "They are criminals and terrorists bent on mass murder. They have no part to play in any communities in Haringey."

Councillor Nilgun Canver, Haringey's executive member for crime and community safety, said: "We must remember that many Muslims have been injured and killed in London's terrorist bombs. They are as much victims of the terrorists as anyone else. We must not let them also become victims of bigotry and prejudice."

The 2001 census showed 12 per cent of Haringey's residents are Muslim, though Ms Canver believes that figure could now be as high as 30 or even 40 per cent.