Mosque is burned to ground

Arsonists have destroyed a Black Country mosque in an overnight attack.

Ten fire crews were called to Cradley Heath Mosque and Islamic Centre in Plant Street, Cradley Heath.

However they could not save the mosque building, which was completely destroyed in the attack - the second in recent years.

The Islamic education centre next door was also burned out during the attack at 10.15pm on Boxing Day.

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Fire crews said the fire was started deliberately and police are now investigating. There are around 400 worshippers that regularly use the mosque and the community is devastated by the blaze.

The site is next to a new mosque which the worshippers are due to move into once construction is finished. No date for opening has been announced, but Vasharat Ali, secretary of the mosque and Islamic centre said today it would be years before work is completed.