Device at mosque ‘a hate crime’

A suspicious package found near a mosque was a small home-made explosive device, British police have confirmed.

West Midlands Police also said a loud bang heard by residents in the Caldmore area of Walsall late on Friday “appeared to be consistent” with the device exploding.

No one was injured and minimal damage was caused around the device, which was found by a member of the public in an alleyway adjoining the Aisha Mosque and Islamic Centre.

Almost 40 homes close to the place of worship in Rutter Street were evacuated after bomb disposal experts were called to the scene.

Police said around 150 people were told to leave their homes as a “precautionary and temporary” measure.

The item had been found on Friday and taken inside the mosque by a well-meaning member of the public, a police spokesman added.

Superintendent Keith Fraser, the head of crime and operations for Walsall Police, said the incident was being treated as hate crime, but the motive for placing the item near a mosque remained unclear.

“The force are taking this extremely seriously,” he said, adding that a full investigation has been launched.

Police said officers have increased patrols in the area and around all places of worship, although the incident is believed to be isolated.

Police have appealed for information at Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.