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Police in Blackburn investigate arson attack on mosque

Police in Blackburn investigate arson attack on mosque

BBC News2 days ago
Police are investigating an arson attack on a mosque in Blackburn.The Masjid Aqsa mosque was set alight after a window was broken at about 01:43 BST on 28 June, Lancashire Police said .The force said it was investigating to find "those involved and the motivation" for the attack on the Emerald Street building. A spokesman for the mosque said its worshippers were "absolutely shocked and appalled" at the "deliberate and malicious act".
No arrests
The spokesman added: "We are a close-knit community that always stands ready to help anyone in need, regardless of race, culture, colour, or religion."This cowardly act will not divide us. It will only strengthen our resolve to stand together against hatred and intolerance."Police said the fire was "quickly extinguished".Retrospective plans to convert the former two-storey nursery into a mosque were recently approved by Blackburn With Darwen Council.
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