CRADLEY Heath’s Muslim community is appealing for help after its mosque was burnt to the ground by arsonists.A fire engulfed the Cradley Heath Mosque and Islamic Centre in Plant Street on Boxing Day destroying the building and the religious countless books inside.
It is the second time in five years that the building has been targeted by arsonists and police are hunting the culprits.
The West Midlands Fire Service first reported that the blaze on Plant Street had destroyed 'industrial units' in Plant Street but when the smoke cleared it became obvious the building was a mosque.
The mosque was a thriving part of the community with 400 worshippers using it and classes of children being taught there.
The worshippers are now trying to find a new place to worship as the new Mosque they have being building alongside the old one will not be ready for use for several years.
Basharat Ali, secretary of the mosque and education centre, said: “This is not the first time we have been targeted, there was a similar attack four or five years ago.
“The building has been completely destroyed and all the books we use with the children have been damaged by water.”
“He added: “The new building is under construction, it is a shell inside and it is due to open in a few years.”
Halesowen News, 29 December 2009
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