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Labour MP Jim Fitzpatrick called in Scotland Yard after the sign appeared in the heavily Muslim area of Tower Hamlets, east London.

He says he does not know if it is the work of religious fanatics or of evil troublemakers from the far right, such as the English Defence League.

The warning was on a printed piece of paper plastered over an official sign telling dog owners to clean up mess in Bartlett Park, Poplar.

It had been there for several days, but was removed by police yesterday.

It read: “Do not walk your dog here! Muslims do not like dogs. This is an Islamic area now.”

Mr Fitzpatrick, the MP for the area, branded it “unacceptable”.

In a letter to the Met Police, he said: “I have no idea whether this was posted by the EDL, Islamists or another organization or element. Regardless, this is a highly divisive sign.

“I am writing to request a criminal investigation.”

Some Muslims consider dogs unclean and feel they are unable to pray if they are covered in dog hairs or if saliva is on their clothes or skin.

But to say Muslims do not like dogs is simply untrue, according to religious experts.

The borough of Tower Hamlets has become a magnet for zealots from all sides.

A small gang known as the Muslim Patrol was convicted for assaulting passers by last year.

In February, another group calling themselves Christian Patrol provocatively drove a former Army vehicle up a busy street, taunting Muslims with cans of beer.

Police stepped up their presence in the area yesterday.

Tower Hamlets Borough Commander Dave Stringer said: “Bartlett Park does not have any history of community tension.

“We are investigating the posting of these signs.

“We retain an open mind concerning the motive behind the putting up of these signs."