Security has been stepped up at mosques following the discovery of a second bomb in the Black Country within three weeks, it emerged today.
Investigations into the suspected nail bomb at Kanz-ul-Iman Muslim Welfare Association Central Jamia Mosque in Tipton on Friday and one found at the Aisha Mosque in Caldmore are running side by side, police said. And although they are not yet formally linking them, it has not been ruled out.
Security has been stepped up at the Aisha Mosque in Rutter Street in light of Friday’s attack in Tipton, which is being probed by counter-terrorism police. A nail bomb was left on a railway line near the Tipton mosque, less than three weeks after a pipe bomb was left in Walsall on June 22.
Aisha Mosque spokesman Zia Ul-Haq said: “People are shocked and horrified, especially that it has happened in the month of Ramadan. We have increased security. There are people patrolling. I think it will calm down. No-one wants to lose the peace in the community. It is beneficial to everyone.”
Meanwhile the Muslim Council of Britain has said it is monitoring the unfolding developments in the Black Country.
In a statement the council said: “We urge for calm as the police authorities conduct investigations. We are heartened by the decision by the Metropolitan Police for enhanced police presence around mosques during Ramadan to reassure communities and ensure public safety. We hope this is being done at a national level. In the meantime it is important for all communities to come together in solidarity, support and vigilance.”
The mosque in Binfield Street, Tipton reopened last night after two days of forensic investigations. Counter-terrorism police, the army and bomb disposal teams swooped on Friday after residents heard a loud bang near the mosque.
See also “Mosques’ concern over timing of Tipton terror incident”, ITV News, 15 July 2013