UK police: 2 held in Birmingham mosques vandalism probe

LONDON

Two men were arrested in relation to Islamophobic attacks that targeted five mosques in English city of Birmingham, local police said on Friday.

“A 34-year-old Perry Barr man handed himself into a Birmingham police station and was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage,” a police statement said.

The West Midlands Police said a second man, 38, was also arrested in relation with the incidents.

“Both remain in custody this evening,” the statement said.

Police said the “investigation continues by West Midlands Police supported by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.”

“This is a significant step forward in our enquiries however the investigation continues into the motive for the incidents,” Assistant Chief Constable Matt Ward said.

“We are working extremely closely with mosques and local communities around the West Midlands and this will continue,” he said.

“It remains incredibly important that we unite together against those who seek to create discord, uncertainty and fear."

Five Birmingham mosques had their windows smashed in the early hours of Thursday.

The mosques targeted in the attacks were Witton Islamic Centre, Masjid Madrassa Faizal Islam, Al Habib Trust, Jamia Mosque, and Ghousia Mosque, according to police.

“Increased patrols will continue at key locations to reassure communities and security advice is being provided to religious establishments across the West Midlands,” British police said.