June 5, 2017 2.07 pm This story is over 81 months old

Lincoln mosque targeted in the wake of London terror attacks

Update: An earlier version of the story said that the incident took place at the mosque which is currently under construction on Dixon Street. This was incorrect. We apologise for the error. Latest: Investigating officers are now treating the incident as a hate crime. Police u-turn: Lincoln mosque attack now treated as hate crime The…
People are invited to visit the Lincoln Mosque on Orchard Street

Update: An earlier version of the story said that the incident took place at the mosque which is currently under construction on Dixon Street. This was incorrect. We apologise for the error.

Latest: Investigating officers are now treating the incident as a hate crime.

Police u-turn: Lincoln mosque attack now treated as hate crime

The chairman of the Islamic Association of Lincoln has expressed shock and anger after a drunk targeted the mosque in the city just hours following the terror attack in London this weekend.

Chair of the association Tanweer Ahmed told The Lincolnite a visitor had been waiting for prayer in the mosque building at around 11pm on Sunday, June 4 when they heard loud banging from the outside of the building.

Stones were then reportedly thrown at the building on Orchard Street, cracking windows.

Luckily no one was injured in the attack.

Police have said they are not looking at the incident as related to hate crime, however the association believes the attack was a direct retaliation at the muslim community.

The community is urging people to come together and assist authorities to catch all criminals following the incident, just hours after appalling terror attacks in the London Bridge and Borough Market areas of London.

The Islamic Association of Lincoln has strongly condemned the attacks, carried out by so-called Islamic State “fighters”.

Three terrorists were shot dead by armed police officers following the attacks on Saturday night which killed seven people and left 48 injured. Eighteen are in a critical condition.

Dr Tanweer Ahmed, Chairman and Trustee for the Islamic Association of Lincoln. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Islamic Association of Lincoln Chairman and Trustee Tanweer Ahmed said: “The Islamic Association of Lincoln strongly condemns the appalling attacks that took place at London Bridge and Borough market in our capital city.

“Muslims in Lincoln and everywhere else were busy in offering prayers in this holy month of Ramadan at the time of attack. We are shocked and angry.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and all those affected.

“I am also shocked and angry that last night there was attack on Lincoln mosque again but I am pleased that no one was hurt.

“The incident was reported to the Lincolnshire Police.

“I urge everyone to assist the authorities, so that all such criminals in Lincoln, London and elsewhere can be arrested and brought to justice.

“The association has been working with other faith organisations to promote unity, integration understanding and community cohesion.”

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: “Incident 15 of June 5 relates to an incident of criminal damage at the location, where one window was cracked by a small stone.

“A review of CCTV suggests this was an offence by a drunken individual and we do not believe there is any hate crime element to this.

“We have recorded an offence of criminal damage and enquiries are ongoing.”