Police hunt suspect over historical abuse at mosque

It is alleged a child was abused at a mosque on Queen Mary's Road, Coventry, between 2013 and 2018

Police investigating allegations of historical sexual abuse at a Coventry mosque are looking for a "prime suspect" and have arrested a man on suspicion of assisting an offender.

West Midlands Police said it had received a report of a child being abused at a place of worship on Queen Mary's Road between 2013 and 2018.

The man, 35, was detained on Thursday and remains in custody for questioning on suspicion of helping a suspect avoid arrest.

The force said it was "following active lines of enquiry" to arrest a prime suspect previously connected to the mosque and warned against speculation.

It added it had been liaising with community partners and the mosque in its inquiries to date.

"We fully understand the concerns of the community and we're grateful for the support we've received in our inquiries so far," a spokesperson said.

"False speculation and the stirring up of unrest can distract from an investigation, which has to be the primary focus of our specialist officers," the force stressed.

Officers said they wanted to hear from anyone else who may have been subject to abuse or who could assist with inquiries.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.