The leader of Canterbury's Muslim Cultural Centre says his members fear revenge attacks following the murder of a soldier in London yesterday.

Raschid Sohawon, who runs the centre in Giles Lane, says he has told them to be wary about going out at night.

The warning came just hours after the murder of an off-duty serving soldier who was hacked to death by suspected Islamist extremists in Woolwich, south east London.

Video footage appears to show one of the alleged attackers covered in blood, holding a meat cleaver and saying he carried out the attack because British soldiers kill Muslims every day.

"I am appalled and disgusted that this was apparently done in the name of our religion..." - Raschid Sohawon

Two suspects, who reportedly have Nigerian backgrounds, were shot at the scene and are under armed guard in separate hospitals.

Mr Sowahon said: "I am appalled and disgusted that this was apparently done in the name of our religion.

“When things like this happen it obviously makes us anxious and cautious.

"These people have their own selfish agenda and ambitions but it is damaging the relationships we have been successfully building with the community and the understanding of our faith.

"We do not allow anyone with extremist views to preach at the centre but it is only a tiny minority who hold such views.

"We can only express our sympathy to the family over their great loss."

Mr Sohawon says they have not experienced any trouble yet at the centre, which has 250 worshippers.

But Kent is on high alert with extra security at Army bases and a heightened police presence across the county.

Howe Barracks spokesman Benedict O'Connor said: "Security at barracks and bases throughout the region has been maintained at an appropriate level to the current risk and threat assessment."

Kent Police says officers are providing a "visible presence across the county" after the suspected terrorist attack at about 2.20pm.

The force said it has "additional resources across the region to provide a presence in potentially vulnerable communities".

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said: "We are working with local communities and partners while the Metropolitan Police investigate the full circumstances around this incident.

"We are providing high visibility policing in areas across Kent and would appeal for people to stay calm and work with us to ensure the safety of everyone in our county."