Harlow mosque fire sees two teens arrested for arson

Police said there were no reports of injuries following the blaze

Two teenage boys have been arrested over what police suspect was a racially aggravated arson at a mosque in Essex.

Emergency services were called to Northbrooks Mosque in Harlow at about 21:30 BST on Tuesday.

No-one was injured and firefighters contained the damage at the Harberts Road building, Essex Police said.

"We are absolutely devastated and shocked," said mosque secretary Jamal Uddin, who said carpets and curtains were damaged in the prayer space.

"We have been here for a long, long time and we have never had anything like this happen to us before."

Jamal Uddin (centre) pictured with mosque imam Moulana Saleh Hamidi (right) at Eid celebrations earlier this year

Mr Uddin said up to 700 people gathered at the mosque throughout the week and that as many as 300 attended Friday prayers.

He said the emergency services had been "absolutely excellent".

Conservative Harlow Council leader, Dan Swords, added: "I am shocked and appalled to hear about this incident.

"Whatever the motives are for this, we will not tolerate any attacks on our communities and as a town we stand united."

The mosque secretary said curtains and carpets were damaged in the blaze

The two teenagers were in custody and being questioned, police said.

Ch Insp Paul Austin said there would be an officer presence in the area throughout the day.

Anyone with information was asked to get in contact.