- Friday, April 26, 2024
By: Keerthi Mohan
SECURITY was up at mosques in Birmingham for Friday prayers today (22) after five places of worship were vandalised yesterday (21), West Midlands Police said.
Counter-terrorism officers are investigating after the windows of five mosques – four in Aston and one in Erdington – were smashed.
Home secretary Sajid Javid said the incidents were “deeply concerning and distressing.”
He tweeted: “@WMPolice are investigating motive but let me be clear – hateful behaviour has absolutely no place in our society and will never be accepted.”
West Midlands Police chief constable Dave Thompson said: “Since the tragic events in Christchurch, New Zealand, officers and staff from West Midlands Police have been working closely with our faith partners across the region to offer reassurance and support at mosques, churches and places of prayer.
“At the moment we don’t know the motive for last night’s attacks.
“What I can say is that the force and the Counter Terrorism Unit are working side-by-side to find whoever is responsible.
“At difficult times like this, it is incredibly important that everyone unites against those who seek to create discord, uncertainty and fear in our communities.”
Vandals attacked the Witton Islamic Centre, the Faizul Islam Masjid and the Jamia Masjid Ghousia, in addition to mosques on Birchfield Road and Slade Road and Erdington.
A spokesman for Witton Islamic Centre urged the community to stay calm, but vigilant.
“For those that may be worried about attending prayers at the mosque, there will be an increased police presence to reassure the community. The general message to the community is to stay calm but vigilant,” he said.
