A man has been charged with inciting racial hatred ahead of a controversial rally set to take place in Golders Green this weekend.

Joshua Bonehill, 22, was arrested on Thursday in a joint operation between the Metropolitan Police and from Avon and Somerset Police.

The Somerset resident was taken to a central London police station where he was charged on Saturday.

He will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today.

Mr Bonehill, of Hudson Road, Yeovil, is believed to be behind plans to stage a rally in Golders Green on Saturday, protesting what organisers term “Jewish privilege”.

On his blog, he said the rally would feature a ritual burning of holy books and the destruction of Israeli flags.

The event has been condemned by a number of Jewish community groups and has drawn the ire of several local MPs.

A spokesman for the Met Police said: “Officers continue to assess all information and intelligence available in relation to the proposed demonstration and speak with the organisers to ensure an appropriate policing response is in place.

“We are aware of concerns in the local community about the negative impact this proposed demonstration may have on them. We are working with residents to ensure that people can exercise their rights in a way that is lawful, while minimising this impact.”