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Man Sought Over Petrol Attack On Mosque

Police are searching for a man who was caught on camera trying to set fire to a petrol can and throwing it into Finsbury Park Mosque.

The man as seen wearing a white hooded jumper, blue jeans and a baseball cap outside the north London mosque around 8.30pm on Friday.

He approached the mosque with a jerry can hidden in a bag, before throwing it over a fence onto the premises.

Police believe he fled the scene on a moped after the arson attack, which detectives have described as an "Islamophobic hate crime".

Scotland Yard Detective Sergeant Stuart Smillie said: "Scorch marks were found on clothing wrapped around the jerry can. This was a clear and deliberate attempt to cause arson.

"Although the petrol did not fully ignite, the threat and intent was obvious and the resulting fire could quite easily have endangered anyone inside as well as those living nearby.

"I would urge anyone who recognises the man in this footage to get in touch."

Anyone with information should call Islington CID on 0207 421 0262, police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.