Two injured after car hits crowd outside London mosque following Islamophobic tirade at worshippers

The collision, which has left at least two people hospitalised, happened outside the Almajlis al-Hussaini in Cricklewood after worshippers gathered for the mourning of the Prophet Muhammed's grandson Hussain.

"The driver failed to stop at the scene. Inquiries are underway to trace them," London's Metropolitan police said.

The cause of the collision is not currently being treated as a terrorism-related incident, but there is widespread concern with extra police officers being deployed in the area.

"Officers are currently retaining an open mind regarding the cause of the collision," the London Metropolitan Police added in its statement.

"The occupants of the car - three males and a woman all aged in their mid-20s - were asked to leave the private car park."

"The car then drove near the centre and the occupants were involved in a confrontation with a large group of people visiting the centre."

"Words were exchanged and comments of an Islamophobic nature were allegedly made by the group in the car."

Detective Superintendent Kelly Schonhage said: "We are treating this incident very seriously and a number of enquiries are underway to trace the car and those involved".

"Extra neighbourhood police patrols have been stepped up in the area and officers will be on hand to speak with those in the local community."

"We are in deep shock at such an attack taking place on our community but remain proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society and such we remain unintimidated and encourage all to continue to attend the Majlis (gathering) of Hussein - a man who defied a tyrant to deliver a message of unity, love and patience which we remember to this day."

Although the incident is not being treated as a terrorist attack by police, worshippers at a mosque in Finsbury Park were deliberately targeted in an Islamophobic attack in 2017, killing one man.