UK: Fears grow after four mosques attacked in Birmingham

Birmingham:  West Midlands Police have launched an investigation after windows of four mosques in Birmingham were smashed, according to a statement on Thursday, sparking fears among Muslims less than a week after a terrorist killed 50 worshipers at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday.

This is Albert Road mosque (Jamia Masjid Ghousia) that was attacked overnight in the Aston part of Birmingham.

I am here with the trustees and @WMPolice .

I understand from locals 5 mosques were attacked overnight with sledgehammers.

A disgusting attack on places of worship!! pic.twitter.com/F1aoMiEHj8

— Cllr Majid Mahmood 🌹 (@CllrMajid) March 21, 2019

A statement said police were informed on March 21 about a man smashing windows with a sledgehammer at the mosque on Birchfield Road.

Less than an hour after the first call, the police were alerted to a similar attack at the mosque  on Slade Road, Erdington.

The police said they came across further damage at mosques on Witton Road, Aston and at Broadway, Perry Barr during patrols.

The statement said police were examining CCTV footage to identify the atatcker.

Motive behind the attacks remained unknown as West Midlands Police and the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit launched investigation.

“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,” said West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson.

People with any information about the attacks have been requested to contact police.