David Cameron has praised and repeated the now viral slogan "you ain't no Muslim, bruv" after an onlooker reportedly shouted the remarks at the suspected Leytonstone Tube Station attacker. The prime minister thanked the man for denouncing the alleged assailant for apparently using Islam to justify the knife attack.

"I have dedicated speeches and media appearances and soundbites and everything to this subject but 'you ain't no Muslim, bruv' says it all, much better than I ever could and thank you because that will be applauded all around the country," Cameron told an audience in the Midlands on 7 December.

The comments come after police charged suspect Muhaydin Mire, 29, over the 5 December incident. The Metropolitan Police has said it is treating the matter as a "terrorist incident" and has urged the public to remain calm.

Mire, of Sansom Road, Leytonstone, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 7 December charged with the attempted murder of a 56-year-old man, who was requested anonymity and whose throat was allegedly slashed. Mire was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 11 December.

British Transport Police has said it will boost its presence at Tube and rail stations across London in reaction to the alleged attack. Members of the public have been urged to call 999 in an emergency or report anything suspicious by texting 61016 or calling the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

David Cameron