Terror police probe London Islamic centre blaze

By NATALIE WALKER
Published 6th Jun 2013, 08:36 BST
Firefighters aim hoses at the burnt-out remains of the alRahma Islamic centre in Muswell Hill, north London. Picture: PAFirefighters aim hoses at the burnt-out remains of the alRahma Islamic centre in Muswell Hill, north London. Picture: PA
Firefighters aim hoses at the burnt-out remains of the alRahma Islamic centre in Muswell Hill, north London. Picture: PA
RELIGIOUS leaders appealed for calm last night after an Islamic centre in north London was destroyed in an apparent hate- crime attack.

Anti-terrorism police are investigating whether the attack was revenge for the killing of British soldier Lee Rigby, after graffiti reading EDL – English Defence League – was found on the building.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the fire, which started just after 3am, was being treated as suspicious.

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He refused to comment on reports from locals that fire bombs had been thrown at the Muswell Hill building, which housed the al-Rahma Islamic Centre and the Somali Bravanese Centre. Authorities said it was “too soon” to confirm who was behind the fire and whether it marked the start of a wave of anti-Islamic hate crimes.

However, last night, an Islamic group said Muslims were living in fear after a spate of incidents following Drummer Rigby’s death.

Massoud Shadjareh, chairman of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, said: “Muslims feel scared right now and it is completely understandable. Muslims have been physically attacked, mosques burnt down, cemeteries vandalised and social media is full of anti-Muslim hatred and violent threats towards Muslims.”

Mohamed Elmi, chairman of Somali Diaspora UK, said: “People are really shaken up, but we have to be calm and strong and not let these people win.”

He said if the aim of the those responsible for the blaze was to “to divide people, they will fail”.

Teacher Hamza Habib, 21, from Finchley, who teaches Arabic to children at the centre, also urged people “to wait and stay calm”. He added: “Let the police do their job first. It does no good to get angry.”

He said the centre was mainly used for teaching Arabic, but often opened its doors to the community for various events.

“Other faiths and groups use it as well. Recently we had a celebration with Jewish and Christian people. It is a very peaceful place,” he said.

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