A shop has been refused permission to sell alcohol for up to 20 hours a day.

Metro Express, in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, applied to sell alcohol from 6am until 2am, seven days per week.

At a meeting of Waltham Foresst Council’s planning committee denied the request, which was criticised by police.

Officer Matt Brown said he believed crime in the area would be exacerbated if the shop was granted permission.

According to police figures, there were 79 crimes within 150 meters of the shop last year.