Controlled explosion on Tipton mosque device

The Kanz Ul Iman Masjid mosque in Tipton, in the West Midlands, was attacked on Friday. Nobody was injured in the blast, which police are treating as a terrorist incident.

As part of the investigation into the suspected nail bomb attack, police on Saturday carried out a controlled explosion on a device found in a garden close to the mosque.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said there had been no problems with the controlled explosion and the situation had been dealt with by explosives specialists. Asked if he was able to confirm if the part was a component of the nail bomb, he said: “We would not be able to say until it has been analysed.”

Police launched a counter terrorism investigation on Friday after the explosion which officers said was designed to cause “serious harm” and reportedly had nails among the debris.

Community must ‘stick together’

As forensics investigators and detectives began their work, police and religious leaders urged residents to stick together regardless of beliefs and backgrounds.

Ghulam Rasool, a local imam, implored community members not to let inter-faith relations be undermined.

“The people of Tipton and Sandwell will not succumb to disharmony,” he said.

Police Chief Superintendent Mark Robinson asked residents to remain patient and calm as officers conducted their investigation, which he warned would be lengthy. He said members of the various faiths were determined to show solidarity.

“They are determined to carry on – it’s business as usual,” he said.