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Walsall Ashia Mosque bomb: Police terrorism unit called Walsall Ashia Mosque bomb: Police terrorism unit called
(35 minutes later)
A bomb found at a mosque in Walsall is being investigated by the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.A bomb found at a mosque in Walsall is being investigated by the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.
A suspicious package, later confirmed as a bomb, was found outside Ashia Mosque on Friday after it is believed to have exploded. A package, later confirmed as a bomb, was found in an alleyway beside Ashia Mosque on Friday by a member of the public.
Residents of Rutter Street heard a bang "like a firework" but police were not called until it was taken into the mosque by a member of the public on Saturday evening. Residents of Rutter Street reported later they had heard a bang "like a firework" on Friday evening.
There was minor damage and no injuries. Police were not called until the package was taken into the mosque on Saturday evening.
The device was found in a public alleyway adjoining the mosque. The suspected explosion had caused minor damage and no injuries.
Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe said terrorism experts and specialist investigators had been called in to support the investigation. Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe said terrorism experts and specialist investigators had been called in to support the inquiry.
She said: "The force is taking this attack against the mosque very seriously and we have a major investigation under way.She said: "The force is taking this attack against the mosque very seriously and we have a major investigation under way.
"At this stage we are keeping an open mind on a motive."At this stage we are keeping an open mind on a motive.
"There is no evidence or intelligence to suggest that this is an act of terrorism.""There is no evidence or intelligence to suggest that this is an act of terrorism."
'Beautiful relationships''Beautiful relationships'
West Midlands Police said it believed this was an isolated incident but patrols have been increased for public reassurance. West Midlands Police said it was believed to be an isolated incident but patrols have been increased for public reassurance.
Ziaul Haq, from Ashia Mosque, said he was grateful police were "taking this seriously" and "investigating thoroughly".Ziaul Haq, from Ashia Mosque, said he was grateful police were "taking this seriously" and "investigating thoroughly".
"We have beautiful relationships with the local community and we've never had any trouble at all at our mosque."We have beautiful relationships with the local community and we've never had any trouble at all at our mosque.
"We are not too worried about this and we have every confidence in the police", he added."We are not too worried about this and we have every confidence in the police", he added.
About 150 people were evacuated from homes in the Caldmore area around the mosque while initial police investigations were undertaken.About 150 people were evacuated from homes in the Caldmore area around the mosque while initial police investigations were undertaken.
Worshippers were allowed to return to the mosque for prayers on Sunday afternoon.Worshippers were allowed to return to the mosque for prayers on Sunday afternoon.
Zahid Ali, cabinet member for public protection at Walsall Council, said: "We stand shoulder to shoulder together as a community in support of the police.Zahid Ali, cabinet member for public protection at Walsall Council, said: "We stand shoulder to shoulder together as a community in support of the police.
"Walsall has really shown its mettle in coming together and responding with calm determination.""Walsall has really shown its mettle in coming together and responding with calm determination."