A Croydon man who wrote he had "confronted" a Muslim woman over this week's Brussels terror attacks no longer faces a charge of inciting racial hatred, police have said.

Matthew Doyle, 46, had been due to appear before Camberwell Green magistrates tomorrow following a Twitter post in which he wrote he had asked the woman to "explain" the bomb blasts in the Belgian capital.

He was arrested on Wednesday and has since been held in custody.

RELATED: Croydon man charged after Twitter post about 'confronting Muslim woman' over Brussels terror attacks

This morning the Metropolitan Police said Mr Doyle had been charged with posting material "likely or intended to stir up racial hatred" under section 19 of the Public Order Act.

Just hours later, the force confirmed he no longer faced the charge following consultation with prosecutors.

A Met Police statement tonight read: "Following discussion with the Crown Prosecution Service, Mr Doyle is no longer charged with the offence and will not be appearing at court.

"Police may not make charging decisions on offences under Section 19 of the Public Order Act.

"There will be further consultation with CPS." 

According to CPS guidelines, charges under section 19 can only be brought with the consent of the Attorney General and must be dealt with by a specialist prosecutor. 

The offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.

Mr Boyle's tweet, posted on Wednesday morning and widely ridiculed on Twitter, read: "I confronted a Muslim women (sic) yesterday in Croydon. I asked her to explain Brussels. She said “Nothing to do with me'. A mealy mouthed reply."