Arson bid at Islamic Centre

Essex police said today a 28-year-old man from Harlow arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with an incident at the Harlow Islamic Centre on Monday, August 26, has been released on bail until October 30 pending further enquiries.

Essex Police continue to search the area around the Harlow Islamic Centre as investigation into the suspected arson attack continues.

The specialist search is looking for any evidence to assist detectives investigating the incident which is believed to have happened in the early hours of Monday, August 26.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Harlow CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police have released CCTV footage of three men suspected of an arson attack on an Islamic centre.

Officers were alerted to the incident by leaders of the Harlow Islamic Centre in Essex at 6.30am on Monday after they attended early morning prayers and found insulation foam sprayed under all of the shutters which cover the doors and windows.

The video footage shows three men approaching the building in Paringdon Road at 1.24am.

One of the men is seen to be holding a drill while another can be seen with what police believe to be a canister of insulation foam.

Superintendent Trevor Roe said: "It is clear from the CCTV footage this was a premeditated, deliberate attempt to cause serious damage to the Islamic centre.

"The three men come equipped to carry out the damage and also take everything they brought with them away again.

"We urge anyone who is able to identify the men to contact us as soon as possible. We are determined to find those people responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Harlow CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police have released CCTV images of three men suspected of being responsible for an arson attack on an Islamic centre in Harlow.

Three men are seen to approach the Harlow Islamic Centre building in Paringdon Road at 1.24am on Monday, August 26.

One of the men is seen to be holding a drill while another can be seen with what police believe to be a canister of insulation foam.

Police were contacted by leaders of the Islamic centre at 6.30am on Monday after they had attended early morning prayers and found insulation foam sprayed under all of the shutters which cover the doors and windows.

Supt Trevor Roe said: "It is clear from the CCTV footage this was a premeditated, deliberate attempt to cause serious damage to the Islamic centre.

"The three men come equipped to carry out the damage and also take everything they brought with them away again.

"We urge anyone who is able to identify the men to contact us as soon as possible. We are determined to find those people responsible.”

Essex Police say it will keep a 'significant presence' at Harlow Islamic Centre after attempts were made to set it on fire.

The attempted arson happened on Sunday night at the centre in Paringdon Road.

Police say they will remain at the scene to reassure residents over further attacks.