Five Birmingham mosques targeted in horror SLEDGEHAMMER attack
21 March 2019 |
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/la...m-mosque-attacks-sledgehammer-breaking-latest
Police swooped to the scene at 2.32am this morning to reports of a man smashing windows.
A sledgehammer was used on four mosques, police said, before officers confirmed that a fifth had been attacked.
It comes just days after 50 people were killed when a gunman opened fire at mosques in Christchurchm, New Zealand.
Police said it was working with mosques since then, but said the motive for this morning's attacks was not clear.
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.
CHAOS: The broken windows of the Zia UK Quran Mosque on Albert Road, Aston. (Pic: PA)
"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."
Cops were called to a mosque at Birchfield Road first, before a second mosque in Erdington at 3.14am.
And investigation involving counter-terrorism officers has been launched.
The force said forensic officers are working to identify evidence and CCTV is being examined.
PROBE: Police have launched an investigation using counter-terrorism officers (Pic: TWITTER/@CLLRMAJID)
HORROR: Police said five mosques had been attacked (Pic: TWITTER/@CLLRMAJID)
Neighbourhood officers are working closely with around the West Midlands today, police added.
The force have asked anyone with information to come forward.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: "Deeply concerning and distressing to see number of mosques have been vandalised in Birmingham overnight.
"Police are investigating motive but let me be clear – hateful behaviour has absolutely no place in our society and will never be accepted."
VANDALISED:he Jam-E-Masjid Qiblah Hadhrat Sahib Gulhar Shareef mosque in Erdington (Pic: PA)
Labour councillor Jayne Francis tweeted: "Really disturbing to learn of Birmingham mosques being subject to attack.
"This city is built on tolerance and mutual respect – let's not lose sight of that."
And Birmingham City Council cabinet member Waseem Jaffar wrote: "Deeply shocking and concerning to learn about the attacks on Masjid's (sic) in neighbouring Aston and Erdington neighbourhoods.
"We will not let a very small minority divide our neighbourhood, the city and society and will fight back against any hate and division with love, peace and harmony."
Birmingham mosque attack caught on CAMERA as windows smashed with sledgehammer
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/la...door-smashed-sledgehammer-latest-Christchurch