The number of uniformed and plain clothed officers patrolling London transport has been increased after a 56-year-old man was stabbed at Leytonstone tube station on Saturday evening.

Witnesses claim they heard an attacker cry “This is for Syria” as he attacked the man. The victim remains in hospital.

Following the attack – which happened around 7pm – extra uniformed and undercover police, backed by a growing force of armed officers, have been drafted in.

Assistant Chief Constable at British Transport Police, Mark Newton, said yesterday (Sunday): “Following the incident last night, we are now deploying still more officers in (a station security) role.

“This involves both uniformed and plain-clothed officers, supported by other resources, such as armed officers, police dogs, a network of CCTV cameras, and the thousands of rail staff we work alongside.

“We ask the public to remain calm and carry on using public transport as normal.

“Britain’s railway system is an open one which we all rely on to go about our day to day lives and get to and from work.

“The measures we put in place make the important balance between a system with easy access for passengers and a secure one.”

Police have charged Muhaydin Mire, 29, of Sansom Road, Leytonstone, with the attempted murder of a 56-year-old man.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today.

In an emergency call 999, otherwise report suspicious activity by texting 61016 or calling the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.