An Enfield police chief has urged residents to carry out their daily business as usual while officers step up the hunt for four would-be suicide bombers.

Det Supt David Eyles also told people to remain vigilant in the wake of Thursday's second wave of attacks on the capital's transport network.

He said: "We need to work together to combat terrorism and bring these people to justice. If you don't go about your daily business, then the terrorists have won."

Det Supt Eyles admits the borough's 600-strong force is stretched while officers continue to patrol railway stations, bus terminals and shopping centres at peak times of the day.

Police are also continuing to offer high-visibility patrols around the borough's three mosques amid fears of a backlash against the Muslim community.

He said: "Clearly, it's a challenge at this time to meet all the other demands the public make of us. Our response times at the moment are not quite what we want them to be, but the public are being very understanding."

Det Supt Eyles urged members of the Muslim community who may feel vulnerable or under threat to report any offences against them to police.

He said: "There has not been any significant threats or reprisals against Muslims, which we are very pleased about, but there have been low-level incidents involving schoolchildren, who have abused people they might perceive to be Muslims, and we are taking these incidents very seriously.

"It is so counter-productive to try and blame a community. There's a real need for our community to unite and condemn those responsible and bring them to justice."

Officers have told staff at entertainment venues such as the UGC cinema in Southbury Road and Eros nightclub in Dearsley Road to look out for suspect packages and ensure their closed circuit television cameras are working.