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Arrests made after Birmingham mosque vandal attacks

Two men have been arrested after five mosques in Birmingham had their windows smashed in a series of vandal attacks.

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One of the mosques in Birmingham which had its windows smashed

Police said the arrests marked a 'significant step forward' in the investigation after the vandalism overnight into Thursday.

One of those arrested, a 38-year-old man from Yardley, was apprehended after being detained by members of the public, say West Midlands Police.

A second man, aged 34 and from Perry Barr, handed himself into a Birmingham police station.

Both are being questioned on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage.

The pair remained in custody on Friday evening.

The Witton Islamic Centre with its windows boarded up after the vandal attack

The attacks were carried out at mosques in the Aston, Perry Barr and Erdington areas of the city.

The investigation continues by West Midlands Police supported by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Ward said: “This is a significant step forward in our enquiries however the investigation continues into the motive for the incidents.

“We are working extremely closely with mosques and local communities around the West Midlands and this will continue.

“It remains incredibly important that we unite together against those who seek to create discord, uncertainty and fear."

Increased patrols had been carried out by police in the wake of the attacks.

Mosques in the Black Country also said they would bring in extra security.

It comes just days after at least 50 people were killed by a gunman at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

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