Police release CCTV of mosque arson attempt suspect

Police have released CCTV video and images of a man they suspect of carrying out an attempted arson attack at Finsbury Park Mosque which is being treated as an Islamophobic hate crime.

The suspect was seen approaching the mosque at around 8.30pm on Friday night with a jerry can filled with petrol which he hurled at the mosque, police said.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Smillie, the investigating officer, said the evidence pointed to a "clear rand deliberate" arson attempt, which could have endangered lives if successful.

Only the fact it was raining saved the mosque from catching alight, its chairman Mohammed Kozbar told ITV News.

He said that a container filled with fuel and paper had been lobbed next to the building's wooden door.

"The good thing it was raining and floor was wet and it didn't explode, otherwise it would be a disaster," he said.

"So we were lucky."

Residents in the area have spoken of their shock at the incident, while police have set up high visibility patrols in the area.

The suspect in the mosque attack is described as a white male wearing a white hooded jumper, a white baseball cap and blue jeans.

He is believed to have fled the scene on a moped.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Islington CID on 0207 421 0262 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.