24/06/2013
Terrorism Unit Dispatched Over Mosque Bomb
West Midlands Police are investigating after a bomb was found at a mosque in Walsall.
A package, which was later confirmed to be a bomb, was found by a member of the public in an alleyway beside Ashia Mosque on Rutter Street at the weekend.
On Friday evening, residents of the street later reported hearing a bang, which appears to be consistent with the device detonating. No one was injured and there was only minimal damage around the device.
Police were not called to the scene until around 10.45pm on Saturday after a member of the public had taken the device into the building.
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 underway.
"To that end, I have called in support from all over the force, including the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit, which has a number of experts supporting the inquiry.
"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."
West Midlands Police said it was believed to be an isolated incident but patrols have been increased for public reassurance.
Around 150 people were evacuated from homes in the Caldmore area around the mosque while initial police investigations got underway. Worshippers were allowed to return to the mosque for prayers on Sunday afternoon.
(JP/CD)
A package, which was later confirmed to be a bomb, was found by a member of the public in an alleyway beside Ashia Mosque on Rutter Street at the weekend.
On Friday evening, residents of the street later reported hearing a bang, which appears to be consistent with the device detonating. No one was injured and there was only minimal damage around the device.
Police were not called to the scene until around 10.45pm on Saturday after a member of the public had taken the device into the building.
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 underway.
"To that end, I have called in support from all over the force, including the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit, which has a number of experts supporting the inquiry.
"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."
West Midlands Police said it was believed to be an isolated incident but patrols have been increased for public reassurance.
Around 150 people were evacuated from homes in the Caldmore area around the mosque while initial police investigations got underway. Worshippers were allowed to return to the mosque for prayers on Sunday afternoon.
(JP/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 December 2014
Man Arrested On Terrorism Offences
A man has been arrested in Luton on suspicion of fundraising and inciting terrorism overseas, it has been reported. The Metropolitan Police said the 35-year-old has been taken into custody in London. Searches are now being carried out at three properties; two are in east London and the third is in Luton.
Man Arrested On Terrorism Offences
A man has been arrested in Luton on suspicion of fundraising and inciting terrorism overseas, it has been reported. The Metropolitan Police said the 35-year-old has been taken into custody in London. Searches are now being carried out at three properties; two are in east London and the third is in Luton.
04 December 2014
Five Arrested Under Terrorism Act In Cardiff And Barry
Five men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act in Cardiff and Barry. Police officers from the North East Counter Terrorism Unit and the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit executed six search warrants on Thursday. The men have been arrested under the Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Five Arrested Under Terrorism Act In Cardiff And Barry
Five men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act in Cardiff and Barry. Police officers from the North East Counter Terrorism Unit and the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit executed six search warrants on Thursday. The men have been arrested under the Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
25 October 2013
Old Bailey Evacuated Over Suspect Package
A suspect package found in a courtroom has lead to the evacuation of the Old Bailey in London. According to report a package was found in court 11, where Ukrainian student Pavlo Lapshyn was being sentenced for murder and plotting to cause mosque explosions.
Old Bailey Evacuated Over Suspect Package
A suspect package found in a courtroom has lead to the evacuation of the Old Bailey in London. According to report a package was found in court 11, where Ukrainian student Pavlo Lapshyn was being sentenced for murder and plotting to cause mosque explosions.
10 December 2014
Man Arrested Over Police Threat
A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with threats made to West Midlands Police officers and staff on Tuesday. The man was detained at a property in the West Midlands by officers from the Counter Terrorism Unit, who are leading the investigation. He is currently being held in police custody.
Man Arrested Over Police Threat
A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with threats made to West Midlands Police officers and staff on Tuesday. The man was detained at a property in the West Midlands by officers from the Counter Terrorism Unit, who are leading the investigation. He is currently being held in police custody.
16 December 2014
Counter Terrorism Police Arrest Two In Luton
Two men have been arrested by the Counter Terrorism Command unit of the Metropolitan Police. The men, said to be aged 37 and 61, were arrested in Luton on suspicion of supporting a banned organisation. Police said the men are currently in custody and are being held at Bedfordshire police station.
Counter Terrorism Police Arrest Two In Luton
Two men have been arrested by the Counter Terrorism Command unit of the Metropolitan Police. The men, said to be aged 37 and 61, were arrested in Luton on suspicion of supporting a banned organisation. Police said the men are currently in custody and are being held at Bedfordshire police station.