A LEAFLET warning of the dangers of microwave ovens has been condemned as "scaremongering".

An anonymous writer has sent leaflets to houses in and around Carnarvan Road, the street in which a cluster of cancer victims has been uncovered.

The leaflet says that while residents are concerned that mobile phone masts could cause cancer, microwave ovens could in fact be just as bad.

Cllr Richard Hoskins said: "The plain fact is that microwave ovens are different.

"I think this is a most deplorable person who spreads alarm in an area already in fear."

Councillors have also hit out at the refusal of Redbridge Council's cabinet to contribute towards £4,000 put aside by area committee one to investigate the cancer cluster.

Claiming that the findings of the research will have repercussions for the rest of the area, they have agreed to resubmit their bid for the borough to fund it.