Walsall Aisha Mosque Bomb: Police Terrorism Unit Called

Amaury · Jun 24, 2013

May I ask when people will realize that making bomb threats or bombs is a big no-no? All it does is cause panic.

Source: BBC News

Published: 6/24/2013

BBC News said:

A bomb found at a mosque in Walsall is being investigated by the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.

A package, later confirmed as a bomb, was found in an alleyway beside Aisha Mosque on Friday by a member of the public.

Residents of Rutter Street reported later they had heard a bang "like a firework" on Friday evening.

Police were not called until the package was taken into the mosque on Saturday evening.

The suspected explosion had caused minor damage and no injuries.

Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe said terrorism experts and specialist investigators had been called in to support the inquiry.

She said: "The force is taking this attack against the mosque very seriously and we have a major investigation under way.

"At this stage we are keeping an open mind on a motive.

"There is no evidence or intelligence to suggest that this is an act of terrorism."

'Beautiful relationships'

West Midlands Police said it was believed to be an isolated incident but patrols have been increased for public reassurance.

Ziaul Haq, from Aisha Mosque, said he was grateful police were "taking this seriously" and "investigating thoroughly".

"We have beautiful relationships with the local community and we've never had any trouble at all at our mosque.

"We are not too worried about this and we have every confidence in the police", he added.

About 150 people were evacuated from homes in the Caldmore area around the mosque while initial police investigations were undertaken.

Worshippers were allowed to return to the mosque for prayers on Sunday afternoon.

Zahid Ali, cabinet member for public protection at Walsall Council, said: "We stand shoulder to shoulder together as a community in support of the police.

"Walsall has really shown its mettle in coming together and responding with calm determination."

The Bishop of Wolverhampton, the Right Reverend Clive Gregory, said he was "disturbed" by the discovery of the bomb at the mosque.

"It is a place where the hospitality and warm welcome I have received at meetings with other faith leaders remains fresh in my memory," he said.

"I am sure they will stand with me in condemning any sinister action against any part of our diverse but harmonious communities."
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Peace and War · Jun 24, 2013

It's hard to tell whether this was planted by Muslim extremists who see this Mosque as a problem or just as bad racist xenophobes. Neither is good, but i'm glad people were observant and looking out for each other that it could be avoided.

Meilin Lee · Jun 24, 2013

This isn't surprising at all. I'm a Muslim myself. I am very aware of the vast amount of hate crimes that are usually committed against mosques. They actually happen a lot more than one might expect (not with bombs though, but the usual defacing with graffiti and stuff). Eh, hate crimes aren't really a new concept either. Happened with the Irish, happened with black people, happened with Asians. Now it's my people's turn. The cycle goes on.

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Walsall Aisha Mosque Bomb: Police Terrorism Unit Called

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