A police investigation has been launched after a brick was thrown through the window of two shops which are due to be converted into mosque.

Redbridge detectives are investigating an allegation of criminal damage against Woodford Muslim Cultural Centre (WMCC), in Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green.

Police said the brick was thrown between 10.45pm and 11.59pm on August 24.

No one was in the building at the time so no injuries resulted.

Last month, a planning inspectorate appeal controversially gave the go-ahead for the site to be used as a place of worship.

This is despite the planning application being rejected by Redbridge council planners in December last year who said it would have a "detrimental" impact on the high street.

The appeal means WMCC now has permission to hold up to 60 people at a time during 20-minute prayer sessions, seven days a week, between 7am and 10pm.

More than 850 people signed a petition against the WMCC bid to convert the former hairdressers and a sweet shop into a community centre with prayer facilities.

Residents and shop owners objected due to a loss of retail space and existing parking problems.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The damage at Woodford Muslim Cultural Centre in Snakes Lane East.

People nearby today (August 26) said they were not surprised by the incident because of anger in the area about the decision.

70-year-old Pat Hill, of nearby Cowan Lodge, said: “I am not surprised this has happened as there has been an atmosphere of tension since the mosque plan was overturned.

“I don’t think we need a mosque in the area but that doesn’t mean people should throw bricks.”

A businessman with a shop in the road, who did not wish to be named, said three policemen visited his shop yesterday to look at the CCTV feed.

He said: “Everyone is hesitant talking about the mosque because it is such a divisive issue and there has been a tense atmosphere here about it.

“You just don’t have incidents like bricks through windows in Woodford Green so it is shocking.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Redbridge CID on 101.

The Guardian attempted to contact the Woodford Muslim Cultural Centre without success.