Police in Redbridge have written to councillors and community leaders asking them to be vigilant after rioting, looting and violence spread from Tottenham to other parts of London yesterday.

The warning comes after nine officers were hurt in Enfield and Brixton with reports of further disturbances in Walthamstow and also Islington, in the north of the capital.

A message sent by Sgt Mark Lowrie, of Chadwell Safer Neighbourhood Team, today was entitled “tension indicators” and asked recipients if they were aware of any incidents or tensions relating to the violence.

It went on to urge councillors and residents to contact police immediately if they hear any information about unrest.

The email also states that most police stations in the borough will be closed today, saying: “Please also note that due to large aid requirements, we do not have enough police currently to staff all station offices therefore only Ilford Police Station will be open at the present time.”