This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-22785074
The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Al-Rahma Islamic Centre destroyed in 'racist attack' | Al-Rahma Islamic Centre destroyed in 'racist attack' |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| An Islamic centre in north London has been destroyed by a fire in an apparent racially motivated attack. | An Islamic centre in north London has been destroyed by a fire in an apparent racially motivated attack. |
| It is not yet known whether the Al-Rahma Islamic Centre, which is listed as a mosque, was set alight deliberately in the early hours. | It is not yet known whether the Al-Rahma Islamic Centre, which is listed as a mosque, was set alight deliberately in the early hours. |
| However Met Police has confirmed the letters EDL (English Defence League) were sprayed onto the two-storey building in Muswell Hill. | |
| The centre is used by the Somali Bravanese Welfare Association. | |
| The Met's Counter Terrorism Command are investigating the cause of the fire, on Coppetts Road, which is being treated as suspicious at this stage. | |
| BBC London correspondent Kurt Barling, who is at the scene, said the centre's leaders had told him they had seen freshly sprayed racist graffiti on the building and that they were concerned the fire was in reaction to the killing of a soldier in Woolwich. Two men have been charged in connection with the attack. | BBC London correspondent Kurt Barling, who is at the scene, said the centre's leaders had told him they had seen freshly sprayed racist graffiti on the building and that they were concerned the fire was in reaction to the killing of a soldier in Woolwich. Two men have been charged in connection with the attack. |
| 'Appalled and saddened' | |
| Abubakar Ali, from the centre, said: "The Somali community is in fear. | Abubakar Ali, from the centre, said: "The Somali community is in fear. |
| "We are all shocked about what has happened and we strongly condemn the attack on the centre. As you can see, the situation is a very serious one indeed. | "We are all shocked about what has happened and we strongly condemn the attack on the centre. As you can see, the situation is a very serious one indeed. |
| "We are appalled and deeply saddened by the horrific and foolish act against a peaceful community. While no one was thankfully physically hurt in the attack, the effects of this crime will be felt very deeply." | "We are appalled and deeply saddened by the horrific and foolish act against a peaceful community. While no one was thankfully physically hurt in the attack, the effects of this crime will be felt very deeply." |
| Borough Ch Supt Adrian Usher said: "I have spoken to community leaders and assured them that a thorough investigation is being conducted. | Borough Ch Supt Adrian Usher said: "I have spoken to community leaders and assured them that a thorough investigation is being conducted. |
| "The safety of our communities is always our priority and we are consulting widely, offering our support and reassurance. | "The safety of our communities is always our priority and we are consulting widely, offering our support and reassurance. |
| "All communities can be confident that they have our support and I can be contacted personally to answer their concerns." | "All communities can be confident that they have our support and I can be contacted personally to answer their concerns." |
| Two properties were evacuated and no-one was reported to be injured however one woman was treated for shock. | Two properties were evacuated and no-one was reported to be injured however one woman was treated for shock. |
| A fire service spokesman said the brigade was called at 03:14 BST. | A fire service spokesman said the brigade was called at 03:14 BST. |
| Six fire engines and about 35 firefighters tackled the blaze which was brought under control just over an hour later. | Six fire engines and about 35 firefighters tackled the blaze which was brought under control just over an hour later. |