Residents in Carshalton have expressed outrage after the British National Party (BNP) began targeting their area in an attempt to capitalise on suspected anti-Islamic feeling.

BNP leaflets describing Muslims as fanatics' and claiming Britain is becoming an Islamic dictatorship were distributed to homes in Woodstock Road and Rotherfield Road this month.

The move follows a controversial application by the Muslim Cultural and Welfare Association of Sutton (MCWAS) to build a new community centre in place of Wentworth Hall in Woodstock Road.

The application for a new building to be used for Islamic teaching and prayer was withdrawn last month after residents objected to the proposal.

It is now thought the BNP heard about the controversy and were seeking to exploit it in a cynical attempt to attract voters.

Michael Doughty, 43, of Rotherfield Road, told the Sutton Guardian: "I thought it was outrageous. All it's going to do is stir up trouble. There's one or two who aren't happy about the application, but this is just going to cause friction.

"We live in a nice neighbourhood and I was a little bit shocked. Most people I spoke to were just shocked and appalled by it."

The planning application submitted by the MCWAS would have seen a new structure built the same height and size as the old building but with an extra floor.

It was withdrawn by the association following criticism from residents, who thought the structure would create traffic chaos in the area and disturb residents.

Paul Scully, councillor for Sutton Central ward, said: "I am sure they the BNP have seen it and thought let's make mischief'. It's encumbent on us to make sure we are doing the right thing and work with all the residents to make sure hatred doesn't get fostered."

The national press officer for the BNP, Phil Edwards, said those opposed to the leaflets were not representative of all Carshalton residents.

He added: "If the leaflets are against the law then call the police and prosecute us. If they don't like them they can chuck them away, but if they like them then they can vote for us."