Man arrested over 'racist abuse' at city mosque

Officers were called to the mosque after a man entered the building and became disorderly and abusive, say police

A man has been arrested after he entered a mosque during early morning prayers and became disorderly and abusive.

Police were called to the Alma Road Mosque in Peterborough, at about 06:45 BST. No one was injured.

A 57-year-old man from the city was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated offence and remained in custody, Cambridgeshire Police said.

A spokesperson said officers believed it was an isolated incident and investigations were continuing.

"There will be an increased police presence near mosques in the city in the coming days as reassurance," the spokesperson added.

The incident was condemned by the city's Labour MP Andrew Pakes, who wrote to its joint mosques council committee to "express my concern and solidarity following the racist abuse and attack".

He added the government had announced an extra £10m for Muslim community groups and places of worship.

Shabina Qayyum, leader of the Labour-controlled city council, also wrote to the committee, saying: "I never thought Peterborough, being a largely peace-loving city, would ever be subjected to such hate as we are seeing now.

"I will be raising this at the highest level in government and with our MPs to ensure our Muslim community in Peterborough is kept safe and secure, free from intimidation and abuse."