Sheikh Dr Salah Ansari al-Azhari has announced he is leaving Palmers Green Mosque in London after being threatened after he revealed he was joining the counter-extremist London-based think tank

A moderate imam has been forced to resign from his mosque after he was threatened with violence for joining anti-extremism group Quillam.

Sheikh Dr Salah Ansari al-Azhari has announced he is leaving Palmers Green Mosque in London because he was threatened shortly after he revealed he was joining the counter-extremist London-based think tank.

A Quilliam member told Breitbart London that the threats were part of a 'coordinated campaign' against the moderate Muslim.

The unnamed source said the organisation has 'screen shots' of online messages that were circulated which suggest the threats were organised.

Qulliam announced he was joining their team three days ago as a senior researcher in the Theology and Outreach Team.

Prior to joining Quilliam Dr Al-Ansari worked as visiting Lecturer in Islamic Studies at Heythrop College, University of London.

He was appointed an Imam and teacher at the Central London Mosque and then worked in a number of mosques in London, Margate, Woking and Basingstoke, where has led extensive inter-faith activities.

After he announced he was joining the think tank Dr Al-Ansari says he was threatened outside the mosque.

He wrote on Twitter: 'Due 2 physical threats (outside the mosque) I have decided 2 resign. Despite requests 2 stay.'

But following the online revelation he received even more abuse. One person wrote: 'Do you have no shame? Why have you joined @QuilliamF, UK's most hated Muslim organization?'

'Was this the exact moment you sold your soul & decided to join @QuilliamF, Sheikh? Have you no shame?' he added. posting a photoshopped image of the Imam surrounded by money.

Sheikh Dr Salah Ansari al-Azhari has announced he is leaving Palmers Green Mosque (pictured) in London

Following the announcement of his resignation the board of trustees for the Palmers Green Mosque released the following statement: 'Since joining the Quilliam Foundation earlier this week, he felt it would be best for both himself and MCEC Palmers Green Mosque that he resigns from his position with us.

'While some may not agree with his decision, it is not for us to question or judge. One must respect and be honourable to an individual's decision.