Describing Tottenham as a “war zone” is “completely inappropriate”, a long-standing councillor has said.

According to Labour councillors, the comment was made by a senior council officer during a presentation and bus tour of the borough for newly elected councillors earlier this month.

Councillor Lorna Reith, chairman of the Tottenham and Seven Sisters Area Forum, said in a meeting last night that the officer’s words were “not acceptable phraseology”.

Cllr Reith’s words come in wake of similar condemnation from community leader Sharon Grant, who said the council must either offer “clarification or an apology”.

Ms Grant, who was recently made an OBE for her voluntary work, criticised councillors for not speaking publicly about the allegations.

Alan Stanton, a former Labour councillor of 16 years, also asked for an apology from the council over the remark.