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Tipton mosque 'probable target' of 'terrorist' attack Tipton mosque blast: Controlled explosion on 'device' found in garden
(about 1 hour later)
Police have said a mosque was the "most probable" target of a nearby explosion described as an "act of terrorism". A controlled explosion has been carried out on what police said was part of a device that exploded outside a mosque.
The blast happened on a disused railway line near Binfield Street in Tipton in the West Midlands on Friday.The blast happened on a disused railway line near Binfield Street in Tipton in the West Midlands on Friday.
West Midlands Police said specialist army bomb disposal officers carried out a controlled explosion at 17:15 BST on the item found in the back garden of a nearby building.
The attack on Friday has been described as an "act of terrorism".
Nails and debris were found strewn outside the mosque, which is the central place of worship for Tipton's long-established Muslim community.Nails and debris were found strewn outside the mosque, which is the central place of worship for Tipton's long-established Muslim community.
No one was hurt and it is unclear when the mosque will reopen. A counter terrorism investigation is underway. No-one was hurt and the mosque is expected to be closed until at least Sunday evening, police said.
Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale said officers were still searching the scene. A counter terrorism investigation is under way and forensic scientists and officers from British Transport Police have been combing the area.
He confirmed speculation that the Kanz Ul Iman Masjid mosque was the target as the "most probable explanation" for the attack. People whose homes were evacuated on Friday have been allowed back into them, police said.
Mosque 'probable target'
Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale confirmed speculation that the Kanz Ul Iman Masjid mosque was the target as the "most probable explanation" for the attack.
He said the local community had shown "solidarity, strength and cohesion" in the wake of the blast.He said the local community had shown "solidarity, strength and cohesion" in the wake of the blast.
On Saturday, West Midlands Police tweeted: "[The] following roads in Tipton remain closed: Binfield Street, Mayfield Gardens, Victoria Road and Peel Street (partially). Inquiries continue."On Saturday, West Midlands Police tweeted: "[The] following roads in Tipton remain closed: Binfield Street, Mayfield Gardens, Victoria Road and Peel Street (partially). Inquiries continue."
The town was in the news in 2002, when three local men were captured in Afghanistan and taken to Guantanamo Bay, although police said they did not worship at the mosque.The town was in the news in 2002, when three local men were captured in Afghanistan and taken to Guantanamo Bay, although police said they did not worship at the mosque.
Ruhal Ahmed, Asif Iqbal, both 22 at the time, and 26-year-old Shafiq Rasul were dubbed the "Tipton Taliban" and were held at the US camp in Cuba for two years.Ruhal Ahmed, Asif Iqbal, both 22 at the time, and 26-year-old Shafiq Rasul were dubbed the "Tipton Taliban" and were held at the US camp in Cuba for two years.
BBC reporters at the scene on Friday afternoon were told prayers at the mosque were usually held at 13:00 BST, but had been moved back an hour because of Ramadan.BBC reporters at the scene on Friday afternoon were told prayers at the mosque were usually held at 13:00 BST, but had been moved back an hour because of Ramadan.
Ramadan 'spiritual disruption'Ramadan 'spiritual disruption'
Community leaders have appealed for calm and said it was "business as usual" in the area.Community leaders have appealed for calm and said it was "business as usual" in the area.
Imam Hafiz Ghulam Rasool said: "It's caused massive spiritual disruption especially in the month of Ramadan.Imam Hafiz Ghulam Rasool said: "It's caused massive spiritual disruption especially in the month of Ramadan.
"We see this as a criminal act rather than an act of terrorism, until it's proven to be one."We see this as a criminal act rather than an act of terrorism, until it's proven to be one.
"We've asked for calm and unity from people but this is a very strong, well integrated community.""We've asked for calm and unity from people but this is a very strong, well integrated community."
Mr Beale said there was "no evidence" to make any connection between the attack and the funeral of murdered soldier Drummer Lee Rigby, which had taken place that morning in London. Mr Beale said there was "no evidence" to make any connection between the attack and the funeral of murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby, which had taken place that morning in London.
Police are still appealing for witnesses who may be able to offer information about the blast. Police have appealed for witnesses who may be able to offer information about the blast.