Artist's impression of the Green Lane Mosque

A man was taken to hospital and two others were injured when a demonstration against a controversial mosque and community centre planned for Dagenham erupted in violence.

More than 250 English Defence League supporters took to the streets on Saturday to protest against plans to turn a disused butcher’s shop into an Islamic prayer centre.

But fighting broke out as they entered Valence Avenue and three Asian men were injured, including one young man who was treated in hospital after being punched and kicked, in the ensuing scuffles before the stewards regained control.

The place of worship proposed by the Becontree Heath Islamic Society was agreed by councillors in January despite more than 1,000 objections being receieved by the council.