Birmingham mosque attacks probed by counter-terror police

Police are investigating reports of vandalism at a fifth mosque in Birmingham today after pictures were circulated online of smashed windows at the Mosque and Muslim Community Centre Aston.

A probe involving counter-terrorism officers was launched on Thursday after four mosques had their windows broken with a sledgehammer overnight.

Officers were called at 2.23am on Thursday following reports of an attack on a mosque on Birchfield Road in Birmingham, West Midlands Police said.

Police were then called to a second mosque attack on Slade Road in Erdington at 3.14am.

Patrols were then started in areas with mosques and officers came across further damage on Witton Road, Aston, and on Broadway, Perry Barr.

A spokesperson for the Witton Road Islamic Centre in Aston told the BBC that CCTV had captured a man smashing windows at around 1.30am.

"The whole of the front windows, about six, were smashed," he said.

"Because of the force he used it's gone through the windows and into the mosque itself".

The force said forensic officers are working to identify evidence and CCTV is being examined.

Local councillors condemned the incidents on social media as "shocking" and disturbing".

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."

Neighbourhood officers are working closely with mosques around the West Midlands today, police added.

Footage posted online by councillor Majid Mahmood showed large holes in every ground-level window on the front of the Witton Road Islamic Centre in the north of the city.

The attacks are being treated as linked and West Midlands Police and West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit are yet to establish the motive.

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."

Mr Thompson added: "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."

The force have asked anyone with information to come forward.

Additional reporting by Press Association.