Skip to main content

London Mosque Fire: Police Investigate Cause

Counter-terrorism officers are investigating whether a fire which destroyed an Islamic community centre was started deliberately in a racially-motivated attack.
Police confirmed they are treating the fire in Muswell Hill, north London, as supicious and promised a "vigorous and thorough investigation".
They also revealed the letters 'EDL' - the initials of the English Defence League - were found scrawled on the outside of the Bravanese Centre, which was being used as a mosque.
However, Tommy Robinson, the leader of the EDL, denied one of the group's supporters was behind the blaze.
He said members have always been told not to attack mosques or places of worship and claimed there was a "nationwide campaign" to blacken the name of the group.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Usher, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "At this stage, we don't want to rule anything out. We have several lines of inquiry and we will pursue those and until we can determine whether a crime has been committed.
"We will then pursue any offenders and bring them to justice."
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said that if the fire is confirmed as an attack attack, it should be condemned as "cowardly, pathetic and utterly pointless".
Local MP Theresa Villiers said it would be "not just an attack on the Muslim community (but) an attack on all of us and our values."
"This looks very much like a hate crime," she said. "We're very proud in Barnet, the constituency I represent, of our diverse community and our cohesion, so I utterly condemn what looks to be a disgraceful attack."
Most of the roof of the two-storey building in Coppetts Road collapsed in the fire, which broke out at around 3.15am.
A spokesman for London Fire Brigade said it took 35 firefighters nearly an hour and a half to bring the blaze under control.
Daniel McInanny, who lives near the centre, described hearing a loud bang shortly after 3am.
"At first I thought it was the bin men collecting the rubbish but when I looked out of the window, I saw an inferno," he said. "The whole building was alight."
Although there is no evidence the fire is linked to the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich last month, there has been a significant increase in reports of attacks against Muslims since his death.
Faith Matters, an organisation that works to reduce extremism, said 11 mosques were targeted in the days after the killing, despite an appeal from the soldier's family for calm.
Fiyaz Mughal, a spokesman for the group, said: "Bearing in mind this is close to Woolwich, bearing in mind that it houses Islamic activities, bearing in mind that they have found alleged EDL graffiti, there's a strong likelihood that this could be an anti-Muslim incident.
"We know that, online, there is a huge amount of anti-Muslim hate. When it moves into the physical world, it is extremely concerning."
Ch Supt Usher said: "I have spoken to community leaders and assured them that a thorough investigation is being conducted.
"The safety of our communities is always our priority and we are consulting widely, offering our support and reassurance.
"All communities can be confident that they have our support and I can be contacted personally to answer their concerns."
No one was injured in the fire, although a woman living next door to the centre was treated for shock by paramedics.
Two neighbouring properties were evacuated.
:: Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MISS EDEMAYA BEAUTY PAGEANT 2013

EdemAya, a community so rich in mineral resources, and one of the five clans that make up the present day Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria is hosting the world on the 29 th of March 2013. As we gathered from the head of the organizing group, Miss Precious Dominic Akpan, the event is scheduled to take place at the Cooperative Hall, Ikot Ubo Akama, Edemaya in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State. Three beauties are to emerge from the event which promises to be the first ever organized pageant. The Eligibility Form which are currently on sale for a token of N 2,000 will qualify the contestants to struggle for Miss EdemAya, Miss Democracy of EdemAya and Miss Culture & Tourism of EdemAya. The screening and training of the contestants commences on 25 th through 28 th of March 2013. We have been reliably informed that the event will parade ‘who is who’ in the music industry in Akwa Ibom State and a popular reggae artist from Delta State. Imagine the sque
1 comment
Read more

Snoop Lion Excommunicated From The Rastafari Community

Snoop Lion excommunicated from the Rastafari Community, according to Bunny Wailer! Bunny has always had his doubts about  Snoop Lion ‘s intent and now his skepticism has taken an even stronger stance, that of excommunication. The news was broken via his  Facebook  profile and via  press release . Recently Snoop Lion has struggled to convince the Rastafari and Reggae community that he is sincere about his profession of, and transition to the faith, principles and beliefs of Rastafari. Most doubtful is Bunny Wailer the only living member of the original Wailer. ‘ Excommunication is a religious censure used to deprive, suspend, or limit membership in a religious community or to restrict certain rights within it. Some groups use the term disfellowship instead, ‘ stated Bunny’s official release. With that said, this would surely deprive Snoop Lion from direct contact to some elders within the Rastafarian community also, access to vital information and place of worship. Let us see
1 comment
Read more

VIDEO: Two Girls Stripped In Public For Stealing Brazilian Hair

These two young girls were stripped naked in public by a shop owner after they were caught stealing  Brazilian hair . According to information gathered, these girls entered  the shop  as if they were interested in purchasing something. One of the girl’s intentionally decided to engage the owner in a conversation by asking lot of questions on the types of  Brazilian  hairs at the store and then the other girl was busy stealing Brazilian hairs. Watch the video  below:
7 comments
Read more