Paper hearts with messages of support have been pinned to the door of the Ihsan Islamic Mosque after windows were smashed at the weekend. Picture: ANTONY KELLYThe Ihsan Mosque’s windows were smashed at 6.30am on Saturday, with around 11 panes of glass damaged, causing around £1,000 worth of damage.
Worshippers were inside the building on Chapelfield East, but it is not yet known what the motive was.
Norfolk police have said they are still investigating and have not made any arrests.
But yesterday the door of the building was covered in coloured hearts made out of tissue paper in support of the Muslim community.
Paper hearts with messages of support have been pinned to the door of the Ihsan Islamic Mosque after windows were smashed at the weekend. Picture: ANTONY KELLYRuth Phelps, from Aylsham Road, organised the showing of solidarity and said she was sickened by the attack.
“I have lived in Norwich for 23 years and I know we are all in this community together. It’s dreadful what’s happened. And for it to happen in Norwich is so upsetting for the community.”
The reason for the attack is not known, but in a statement for the Norwich Ihsan Mosque, Jamal Sealey, head of the community, said the reaction since Saturday morning had been “amazing”.
“Ever since it happened Facebook has been going crazy, we’ve had attention on our website, and members of the public have been coming in non-stop, posting flyers and leaflets in the door,” he said. “We’ve heard of people trying to raise the funds to help us pay for the damage. It’s been overwhelming; it’s really been a positive thing.”
Throughout the Islamic Awareness Week (March 17-23) the mosque is inviting people to tour the mosque and join the people there for lunch, courtesy of our soup kitchen.
•Anybody with information should contact Sgt Dan Cocks at Bethel Street Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
•Donations to help pay for the repairs can be made to the Ihsan Mosque and Islamic Centre at 17 Chapelfield, Norwich.
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