Detectives investigating a self-styled Muslim patrol gang have made three more arrests, Scotland Yard has said.

Officers are investigating a string of incidents in east London over the weekend where the group harassed members of the public.

A video posted on YouTube showed the gang hurling homophobic abuse at one man, whom the police have urged to come forward.

In the film, titled "Muslim vigilantes in London harass and taunt gay male", they are heard to shout "get out of here you fag … don't stay around here any more".

In a second video, also posted online, men from the gang in Whitechapel tell another man "no drink in this area, it's a Muslim area" before ordering him to pour away his alcohol.

Det Chief Inspector Wendy Morgan from Tower Hamlets borough said: "The Met takes such homophobic behaviour very seriously.

"This man is a crucial witness in the investigation and would encourage him and anyone else with information relating to this incident to make contact in confidence as soon as possible."

Additional police patrols are being mounted across east London to reassure the public.

A total of five arrests have now been made as part of the investigation.

A 22-year-old man was arrested in Acton, west London on Sunday, and a 19-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after going to an east London police station.

The pair were held on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and public order offences and were bailed to return to an east London police station in February and March.

Details of the three other arrests have yet to be released.

A police spokesman said: "The Metropolitan police service takes these incidents very seriously and is pursuing various lines of inquiry with a view to identifying and prosecuting the individuals concerned."