LONDON’S “LITTLE ALGIERS:”

While some arrived direct from Algeria, others found their way via France after a bombing campaign in Paris by Algerian extremists led to a crackdown by the French authorities.

Those who sought asylum in the UK were often given it on the basis they faced persecution back home.

In this corner of the capital, known as “Little Algiers”, these radical Algerians could fade into the crowd of their fellow countrymen and women and a wider community of immigrants, long-time residents and young professionals.

Here, life was much easier even than France, where Algerians frequently complain of police harassment. . . .

But it’s not all laughs. Scratch the surface of the community and there are some sinister characters and disturbing episodes.

The extremists who arrived here in the 90s hide a dark past back home, says Salah, referring to members of the Armed Islamic Group (GIA).

“Some of them have killed 10, 20, 50 people perhaps. They are still actively collecting money for the cause back in Algeria. I’ve seen them outside the mosque saying ‘Help your Mujahideen brothers back home in Algeria’.

“There’s a lot of sleeping helpers – sympathisers, who will offer food, clothing, support for the extremists.”

And those who wish to “disappear” from the authorities can easily pick up false identity papers and passports in the area, says Salah.

Sounds like this deserves more attention.