Man arrested over graffiti on Preston mosque

Masjid-e-Salaam has been targeted three times this weekend

A man has been arrested after a mosque was the target of three incidents of offensive graffiti in as many days.

The first graffiti on a gate post at Masjid-e-Salaam in Watling Street Road, Preston, was reported on Friday.

Another incident was reported on Saturday night followed by a third in the early hours of Sunday, police said.

A 47-year-old man, from Preston, has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

On Friday, the mosque tweeted pictures of the graffiti, saying it was "open for all and [we] do not harbour any evil for those who wish otherwise".

Ch Insp Gary Crowe from Lancashire Police said: "There have now been three reports in a matter of days and this is understandably causing a lot of upset and concern in the local community."