Shock over attacks on places of worship

COMMUNITY LEADERS have spoken of their shock and dismay after two places of worship in the same part of Leeds were targeted in arson attacks.

Police believe yesterday’s incidents at a mosque and a Sikh temple, both in Beeston, are connected and have confirmed they are being treated as hate crimes.

Fire crews were called to the Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira Mosque in Hardy Street at about 3.40am after its main door was set alight, possibly with the use of a flammable liquid.

Amjid Hussain, secretary of the mosque committee, said: “It’s a shock – words can’t describe it, really. In my personal history of being a member of the community, it’s the first time something like this has happened and that’s why it’s more shocking – especially during the month of Ramadan.”

Staff at the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Gurdwara in Lady Pit Lane called police just before 4.20am to report someone setting fire to its front door.

Insp Ian O’Brien, head of neighbourhood policing for south Leeds, said: “We have increased our patrols of the area to provide visible reassurance to people living there and will continue to keep key community representatives informed as the investigation develops.”

The damage to the mosque was confined to the door and surrounding brickwork. At the Sikh temple, part of the door and a pillar were damaged.