Essex Police made two arrests following an arson attack on a mosque in Harlow yesterday evening.
In a statement published on 9 August, the force confirmed that two teenage boys were arrested and held for questioning.
The statement added that the fire service’s quick actions contained any damage, with no injuries reported, after reports of a fire at the Northbrooks Mosque around 9:30 pm.
Harlow CID is, at present, treating it as racially aggravated arson.
Tell MAMA will continue to liaise with officers and offer support, providing further updates where possible.
Statement from Tell MAMA's Director Iman Atta following an arson attack on a mosque in Harlow last night.
Two arrests followed. We are liaising with Essex Police further and endeavour to provide further updates.
Witnesses can call 101, quoting 1253 of 8 August. pic.twitter.com/H7DREEbcvy
— Tell MAMA UK (@TellMamaUK) August 9, 2023
In a statement, our Director Iman Atta made clear: “We strongly condemn the arson attack at a mosque in Harlow last night (8 August), and we thank the emergency services for their swift response and for containing any damage. Thankfully, no reports of injuries followed.
Essex Police are investigating the arson as a racially aggravated hate crime and arrested two teenage boys who continue to face questioning.
Officers have also stepped up reassurance patrols, and Tell MAMA is liaising further to assist as we endeavour to provide more updates where possible. As protocol, we will also re-issue our safety tips for mosques.”
Safety advice for mosques is available to download from our Resources section.
Chief Inspector Paul Austin, Harlow district commander, responding to the arson and arrests, made clear: “I have personally been in consistent contact with faith and community leaders to ensure our communities feel they are safe and are being supported.
“There will continue to be a policing presence in the area throughout today and the coming days and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to please speak with those officers; they are there to help and reassure you.”
Reassurance patrols from local officers will continue throughout today.
Anyone with information can contact Essex Police on 101, quoting incident 1253 of 8 August. Tell MAMA is happy to pass information to the police on your behalf or anonymously if requested.