Birmingham mosque attacks not linked to far-right extremism or terror, police say
A 34-year-old man who handed himself in to police on Friday has been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Monday 25 March 2019 21:23, UK
The Birmingham mosque attacks are not being treated as acts of far-right extremism or terror, police have said.
Five mosques had their windows smashed with a hammer across the city in the early hours of Thursday 21 March.
The attacks sparked fear among local communities as they came after suspected terror shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which left 50 dead.
A 34-year-old man from Perry Barr, Birmingham, handed himself into police on Friday and has been detained under the Mental Health Act.
West Midlands Police said it is not seeking anyone else in relation to attacks, and was satisfied they were not motivated by right-wing extremism.
It added that the attacks are not being treated as terror-related.
A 38-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of racially-aggravated criminal damage on Friday afternoon has been released without charge.
Police have launched a separate investigation after criminal damage was reported at a mosque on Crower Road, Balsall Heath, on Saturday at 6.30am.
The incident is not being linked to the mosque attacks on 21 March.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Ward said: "We continue to work in partnership with mosques and local communities around the West Midlands.
"There will be a visible police presence at key locations to offer reassurance to our communities and we continue to offer any assistance in providing security advice."
The mosques that were targeted are:
:: Witton Islamic Centre, Witton Road, Aston
:: Masjid Madrassa Faizal Islam, The Broadway, Perry Barr
:: Al Habib Trust, Birchfield Road, Aston
:: Jamia Mosque, Albert Road, Aston
:: Ghousia Mosque, Slade Road, Erdington