Birmingham mosque attacks: Man arrested after windows were smashed
Police say the arrest is a "significant step forward" in their investigations but they are still trying to establish a motive.
Friday 22 March 2019 21:06, UK
Police have arrested a man after five mosques had their windows smashed in Birmingham on Thursday.
West Midlands Police said a 34-year-old man from Perry Barr handed himself in at a Birmingham police station and was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage.
A 38-year-old man from the Yardley area of the city was also arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage on Friday afternoon after he was detained by members of the community but has been released without charge and ruled out of the ongoing investigation..
The 34-year-old remains in custody as police continue their investigation, which is being supported by the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Ward said: "This is a significant step forward in our enquiries however the investigation continues into the motive for the incidents.
"We are working extremely closely with mosques and local communities around the West Midlands and this will continue.
"It remains incredibly important that we unite together against those who seek to create discord, uncertainty and fear."
The mosques had their windows smashed in the early hours of Thursday between 1.25am and 3.15am.
The mosques 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
Police say they have stepped up patrols at key locations to reassure communities and security advice is being provided to religious establishments across the West Midlands.
:: Anyone with information should contact police via Live Chat on west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or by calling 101.