A man has appeared in court accused of threatening a neighbour with a knife in a religiously aggravated “hate crime”.

Wayne Calder, 48, of Hackney, was charged by police with threatening with a bladed article, religiously aggravated threat of violence and threats to kill.

The offences are alleged to have been carried out in Hackney on October 26.

Calder appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Friday (October 27) and was subsequently released on bail to attend Wood Green Crown Court on November 21.

A police spokesperson said: “The Met is listening to and working with London communities and partners to make sure they feel safe in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“Hundreds of officers are providing high visibility reassurance patrols across the capital.

“At the same time, we are relentless in targeting those who commit hate crimes, with more than 70 arrests carried out so far for offences relating to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“We will not tolerate any form of hate crime, and will ruthlessly pursue individuals who think it is acceptable to threaten or incite violence.

“Anyone who is the victim of hate crime should contact police on 101 or in an emergency on 999.”