Resilient Worshipers Unite at Harlow Mosque Following Arson Incident
Within the prayer room of Northbrooks Mosque situated in Harlow, Essex, curtains and carpets bore scorch marks from an unfortunate event that transpired on Tuesday night.
Law enforcement is treating this incident as an "racially aggravated" case of arson, and two adolescents have been released on bail pending further investigation.
The popularity of the Friday prayers led to a gathering so sizable that a portion of worshippers had to congregate outside the mosque's premises.
"All the people, the brothers praying in here, are shocked because we are a very peaceful community in Harlow and all the elderly neighbours are very nice to us when we come here, park our cars, but some youngsters are disturbing us and we feel unsafe," Imam Sheikh Saleh Hamidi said in his sermon.
Mumin Ali, another mosque representative, noted a history of disturbances, including shattered windows, damaged CCTV cameras, and even instances of vandalism such as dog waste being left at the main entrance.
Throughout the course of a week, this mosque accommodates up to 600 worshippers. Jamal Uddin, the mosque's secretary, shared aspirations of obtaining planning permission for a new, more fortified structure in Harlow to ensure greater security.
Essex Police disclosed that the two suspects were apprehended on allegations of arson and have been granted bail until the October 18.
The incident on Harberts Road did not result in any reported injuries, and firefighters promptly controlled the blaze.
Source: Agencies
