Rosyth teenager in court after Fife mosque targeted

INCIDENT: Bacon was left on doors of Muslim building

A Fife teenager has appeared in court in connection with shock attacks at a mosque and a takeaway.

Charles Johnston faced two charges of breach of the peace and one of wilful fire-raising during his private appearance in Dunfermline.

The 19-year-old from Rosyth made no plea during the hearing before a sheriff.

He has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear again next week.

Johnston’s arrest follows the act at Dunfermline Central Mosque on April 29, and an alleged attempted firebombing at the takeaway in Queensferry Road, Rosyth, on May 18.

Worshippers were left shocked and upset when bacon was said to have been draped over the door handles of the Woodmill Road building.

The act was regarded as particularly offensive as Muslims do not include pork in their diet.

The people of Dunfermline rose up in support of the congregation, who said they had been shown nothing but love in the days following the incident.

Particular friendship was shown by the Church of Scotland’s Presbytery of Dunfermline, who said they were very much wanted to offer their support.

The Presbytery has worked closely with the mosque in recent years and said they had fostered a spirit of co-operation and mutual respect.

Last week, police issued an appeal for information following an attempted fire-raising in Rosyth.

A man had allegedly been seen setting fire to an item before throwing it against the shutters of a takeaway.

Officers said the blaze had been extinguished almost immediately.

Charles Johnston appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court accused of two separate offences.