Ofcom rejected complaints from West Midlands Police about the way in which Dispatches: Undercover Mosque had been edited.

The programme contained footage of preachers allegedly giving highly offensive sermons about homosexuals, women and non-Muslims at Green Lane Mosque in Small Heath.

Channel Four, which broadcast the documentary, accused the force of "staggering naivety" over the issue while Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said the decision to complain to Ofcom "raised wider issues" for policing.

A spokesman for the mosque rejected Ofcom's findings and said they would continue to work for the community.

In a statement he said: "Further to Ofcom's ruling on the Channel Four Dispatches programme, we respect their decision although we beg to differ in regard to their findings.

"We hold the view that the film was compiled in a way that portrayed a number of mainstream Muslim institutions in the worst possible light. This is supported by the fact that Ofcom received many complaints from members of the lay public, with no affiliation to any of the institutions featured in the programme."

He added: "On behalf of the Muslim community we commend the police and Crown Prosecution Service for investigating the matter in a thorough and balanced manner. In contrast to the broadcaster's insinuations we reiterate our desire to work closely with the wider community for the betterment of society."

Kevin Sutcliffe, Channel 4’s deputy head of news and current affairs, who oversees Dispatches, said: “This was a rigorous investigation conducted over nine months and involving great difficulty in its filming, substantial personal risk for the reporter and a great deal of considered judgment in the edit suite.

West Midlands Police said that the programme caused concern for a number of people who made complaints to the force. A spokesman said: “The CPS did raise significant concerns around the production of the programme.”

He added: “It is usual practice . . . to make referrals to regulatory bodies. We acknowledge the findings from Ofcom, which also received and investigated complaints made directly from independent members of the public.”