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A nun has taken down a black flag similar to those flown by jihadist fighters in Iraq and Syria after it was spotted flying at the gates of an east London housing estate.

The controversial flag sparked outrage after it was pictured flying above the Will Crooks estate in Tower Hamlets, alongside a number of Palestinian flags and slogans in support of Gaza.

But when council officers went to the site, in Poplar High Street, they were told the flag had been removed by Sister Christine Frost, a Roman Catholic nun who runs a charity supporting vulnerable residents in the area.

A spokesman said: "The council can confirm that following reports this morning of a flag erected on the Will Crooks Estate, council officials took steps to remove it but found it had already been taken down by Sister Christine Frost, a well-known local activist and promoter of community cohesion.

"The flag was removed following concerns that it could cause community tension."

Sister Christine is believed to have gone on a day-trip to Clacton-on-Sea today after taking the flag down overnight. A source said she may have travelled to the seaside with the youths who had erected the flag.

It is unclear whether the flag bears the symbol of Isis, the ultra-violent Islamist group linked to the slaughter of Christians and religious minorities in Iraq. Some social media users suggested last night that the flag actually bore the 'shahadi' logo - a declaration of Muslim faith.

The Guardian reported that a gang of around 20 Asian youths were gathered around the gates where the flag was being flown last night.

One allegedly asked a passer-by who tried to take a photo whether he was Jewish.

Responding, he asked: "Would it make a difference?"

A youth is then said to have replied: "Yes it f***ing would."

Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman added: "'I will not stand for anti-semitism or any other form of hate in this borough.

"I am deeply concerned by media reports of abusive language and will be liaising closely with the police on this matter."

When asked if the flag is that of Isis, another youth is reported to have said: "So what if it is?"

Tower Hamlets council said it welcomed the removal of the flag.

"We have consistently demonstrated that there is no place for hate in Tower Hamlets, whatever form it takes," it said in a statement.

Nobody from the Metropolitan Police was immediately available to comment.