The mistaken artwork, Stamford Hill. Pic: Shomrim.

A sign in Stamford Hill purporting to be artwork featuring a silhouetted Orthodox figure has been criticised by Jewish residents for “causing concern”.

The image – placed on top of a warning sign – was initially reported as a hate crime to police by the neighbourhood watch group Shomrin. A photographer later admitted he was behind the sign and claimed it was part of a project.

Barry Bard, Supervisor at Stamford Hill Shomrim told EastLondonlines via @Shomrim Twitter: “The sign has caused a lot of concern amongst local Jewish residents, especially as it’s in such close proximity to a Synagogue.”

But one Jewish woman living in Stamford Hill, who wished to remain anonymous, told Eastlondonlines that she saw “no issue” with the sign.

Photographer Franck Allias came forward and said he was behind the project, and apologised for causing concern. He told The Guardian: “It was a project about crossing the road … how everyone is different, everyone has an identity. There is not only one sign in the street. I put more signs up in the street, but only this one got noticed. I am sorry for any offence caused.”

This Saturday,  Stand Up To Racism’s anti-racism march in central London will take place, Hackney MP and president of the organisation Diane Abbott branded the sign as “disgusting” and “unacceptable.”

Disgusting. Unacceptable. https://t.co/uym6OisBsl

— Diane Abbott MP (@HackneyAbbott) March 14, 2017

Hackney Council has since removed the sign.