A 'hit and run' outside a Muslim centre in Cricklewood is being treated as a possible hate crime
Three people have been injured, one seriously, after a car hit pedestrians outside a Muslim centre in Cricklewood, London.
Police said the car's occupants made alleged Islamophobic remarks before fleeing the scene and colliding with pedestrians in the process, at 00.35am in Oxgate Lane, Brent.
15 minutes earlier security at the community centre were informed of occupants in a car behaving anti-socially, drinking and allegedly using drugs.
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Three people were taken to hospital for treatment. A man in his 50s remains in hospital and is being treated for a serious leg injury. The two others are in their 20s and suffered only minor injuries.
The occupants of the car - three males and a woman all aged in their mid-twenties - were asked to leave the private car park.
It then drove near the centre and the occupants were involved in a confrontation with a large group of people visiting there, Islamophobic comments were allegedly made by the group in the car.
Police are searching for the driver and occupants after the car failed to stop at the scene, proceeding to make off at speed colliding with three individuals as it left.
It reportedly sustained minor damage by some of those outside the centre.
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
