Pictures of Muslim convert Kathryn Irrgang's extraordinary statement of defiance against terror have gone viral on social media.

The 43-year-old freelance journalist stood for hours at the St George's roundabout in Canterbury urging people not to equate last week’s terror attack in Westminster with her faith.

She carried placards bearing the words “Not in my name No terrorism” and “Not in my name London”.

“This is a message to people to say that what happened in London should not be associated with Islam," Kathryn said.

“It is also a message to the terrorists to stop linking the name of the religion to what they do.

“This is just murder. It is nihilistic and has nothing to do with Islam. No religion condones this sort of behaviour.”

Four people, including a police officer, were killed last Wednesday by Dartford-born Khalid Masood, 52.

He had driven along the pavement of Westminster Bridge before stabbing PC Keith Palmer, 48, to death outside the Houses of Parliament and then being shot dead.

In Canterbury, drivers using the ring road showed their solidarity for Kathryn by beeping their horns while pedestrians stopped to give her a cuddle or take her picture.

One supporter even bought her a bunch of flowers.

Kathryn, who was born in Canterbury and converted to Islam while studying philosophy at university, added: “People in Canterbury have been very supportive about the message I’m trying to get out.

“It’s really great that they’ve reacted like this.”

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for its first attack on British soil and described Masood as its “soldier”, but on Monday police denied he was linked to the terror group.

Monday night’s Panorama programme painted a picture of a man who had become increasingly violent and troubled.

Police say reports that Masood, who was born Adrian Elms, was radicalised in prison are “speculation”.

Thirteen people are still in hospital recovering from injuries following Masood’s attack.