The evangelical head of the Liberal Democrats visited London Central Mosque and challenged the racism he said was within the campaign to leave the European Union.

Tim Farron attacked "online hooligans" as he marked the Islamic month of fasting with a trip to one of the capital's biggest mosques. Donald Trump and Brexiteers also came under criticism in his remarks as he said the campaign to leave the EU "mirrored" Trump's campaign.

"The world is reeling in the wake of the homophobic terror attack in Orlando. And in amongst the sadness and the horror we are seeing an all too common trait in online hooligans; taking the actions of a deeply disturbed individual, and applying them to an entire race or faith.

"The ignorance of Trump, is unfortunately being mirrored by campaigners in Britain. Some of the people who want us to turn our backs on Europe are stoking fear and terror, and trying to pitch community against community."

Farron went on to say it was "disgusting" of the leave campaign to suggest an attack similar to Orlando would happen in the UK if it did not leave the EU.

"It was a cynical move to tar the Muslim community with the actions of one deranged gun-man intent on inflicting violence of unimaginable horror," he told those gathered.

"We have come to expect such bad judgement from these campaigners. Threatening posters and leaflets make claims about Turkey and Turkish Muslims that are not only untrue but also intentionally designed to fan the flames of hatred.

"The racist dog-whistle is growing into a foghorn. I am seriously concerned about the social cohesion of Britain after the referendum, whatever the result."

A poster was circulated by Leave.EU that suggested an Orlando-style atrocity would happen in the UK if it did not choose Brexit on the June 23 referendum. The tweet was later deleted but came under heavy criticism from both sides of the debate.