Kingston’s Guildhall was lit up with colours of the French flag this week.

The council also released a statement offering its condolences following the terrorist attacks in Paris just days before.

The French capital was attacked by Islamic State terrorists who killed 129 people and injured more than 300 others in separate premeditated attacks that targeted the Bataclan concert hall, the Stade de France and bars and cafes in Paris on Friday, November 13.

The joint statement put out by council leader Kevin Davis and chief executive Bruce McDonald said: "Along with the police we are sure you will all join us in our resolve to ensure that these horrible events do not in any way serve to divide our community.

"We do unfortunately know from experience, that in the aftermath of events like those in Paris, a tiny minority in our communities can sometimes react in ways that can never be justified.

"We would therefore ask that any form of hate crime, verbal or otherwise, is immediately reported to the police."

The statement also praised the borough’s "diverse and peaceful community", adding "events like this perpetrated by people who know only hate must not be allowed to threaten this in anyway".

The Metropolitan Police has said a more visible police presence would be in place across the capital following the attacks.

Anyone with information about something unusual should call police on 999 or the call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.