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Counter terror investigation underway after five West Midlands Mosques damaged

Counter terror investigation underway after five West Midlands Mosques damaged

West Midlands Police have confirmed that a counter-terrorism investigation is under way after five Birmingham mosques had their windows smashed with sledgehammers overnight.

Officers were called at 2.32am on Thursday after reports of an attack on a mosque on Birchfield Road in Birmingham.

Shortly after the incident, police were called to a second mosque attack on Slade Road in Erdington at 3.14am.

Following the second report, officers discovered further damage to a mosque on Witton Road, Aston and on Broadway, Perry Barr. Pictures posted on social media showing smashed windows at the Mosque and Muslim Community Centre in Albert Road, Aston.

Police said forensic officers are working to identify evidence, while CCTV is also being examined.

The force also confirmed neighbourhood officers are working closely with mosques around the West Midlands

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said: "These are shocking incidents which appear to have been designed to cause distress and alarm.

"Attacks of this nature have no place in our community and will not be tolerated. I want to reassure people that West Midlands Police is doing all it can to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"People will be horrified by these attacks on the Muslim community.

"Birmingham is a tolerant city and will not allow these extreme acts that attempt to divide us."

The government has recently announced an increase in Places of Worship funding which provides physical security measures such as gates and CCTV.

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