Two people are in hospital following a hit and run outside a mosque in Cricklewood suspected to be a hate crime attack.

Police were called to the Al-Majlis Al-Hussaini mosque in Oxgate Lane just after midnight to reports of a car in collision with a number of pedestrians.

Four people who were in the vehicle drove off and alleged to have made anti-Muslim taunts are being sought by police.

The collision is not being treated as terror related but hate crime is being looked at by detectives as an “aggravating factor” Scotland Yard said.

Three men and a woman, thought to be in their 20s, were asked to leave the mosque car park at 12.20am by security as they were behaving “anti-socially, drinking and allegedly taking drugs”.

Police added: “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.”

The car sped off colliding with three people in its path.

Two men were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

No arrests have been made.

DS Kelly Schonhage from Brent CID said: “We are treating this incident very seriously and a number of enquiries are underway to trace the car and those involved.

“Enquiries into the full circumstances of the collision are ongoing. If you were there at the time and have information I would urge you to contact police with information. 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.”

Anyone with information concerning the car involved or the occupants is requested to call Brent CID on 07747 476 161 or 101 quoting CAD 150/29 Sept or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also tweet police via @MetCC