A Dundee anti-racism charity has said it suspects a vandals who damaged a city mosque were motivated by Islamophobia.
Police who are investigating the incident at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque on Dens Road said they are treating the crime as an attempted break in.
Worshippers arrived at the mosque at 5.45am on Tuesday to find a window smashed and the main door open.
A spokesman for campaign group Stand Up to Racism Tayside said: “Although this may just be a random act, against a background of rising Islamophobia up to and following the far right terrorist attack in Christchurch, which has already seen targeted attacks on mosques and Islamic centres in the UK, we must suspect this is a crime motivated by racial hatred and Islamophobia.
“SUTR Tayside sends solidarity to worshippers at the Ahmadiyya Mosque and condemns anyone who thinks the people of Dundee or Tayside will accept harassment of any part of our community.”
A spokesman for Police Scotland’s Tayside Division said: “Police Scotland is investigating an attempted break-in to the Al Baitul Mahmood Mosque in Dens Road, Dundee, about 4:45am on Tuesday Arpil 9.
“A man was seen trying to gain access to the building, although he was unsuccessful and left with nothing. Officers would like to trace a man described as slim build and wearing a black hooded top with white stripes across it, grey jogging bottoms, a tammy and blue trainers.
“Anyone with relevant information should call 101 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Ref CR/9117/19.”
