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Worshippers at Britain’s biggest mosque have praised the “bravery and dedication” of fire crews who prevented a massive arson blaze from destroying their “beautiful” building.

The congregation of the Baitul Futuh mosque in Morden last night launched a giant clean-up and repair operation as police questioned two teenage boys, aged 14 and 16, in connection with the fire which started at noon on Saturday.

Flames tore through the hall at the front of the building and surrounding offices.

The main prayer room, which was empty at the time, escaped damaged and was re-opened last night.

Seventy firefighters battled into the early hours on Sunday to contain the blaze which sent a column of black smoke billowing from the roof.

A man in his 40s was taken to hospital suffering the effects of smoke inhalation while around 30 more people were evacuated unharmed.

Hummzah Talib, 35, a security worker at the mosque said: “The damage to the building is bad, but we are in the process of fixing the damage.

“We have had a huge amount of support and donations from everyone within the community and we are so grateful.”

Rafiq Hayat, the national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, said: “By the grace of God the mosque is safe and unaffected and there were no injuries and no loss of life.

“The fire was contained to the hall at the front of the building and some adjacent offices. We are extremely grateful for the support of the local community and leaders.”

The vast Baitul Futuh mosque complex, which covers 21,000 square metres, was completed in 2003 at a cost of about £5.5m. It is said to be able to accommodate 10,000 worshippers.

Abdul Farouq, 52, a local resident said: “It is such a shame what has happened. We are a strong community so I am sure we will be back on our feet in no time.”

In a statement, the mosque’s leaders said: “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is extremely grateful for the efforts of the emergency services and in particular to the London Fire Brigade for their dedicated and brave service.

“May God Almighty reward them.”

Siobhain McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and Morden, said: “The mosque does a huge amount for the local community. Their motto is ‘Love for all, hatred for none’ and they really live that.

“I have been to the mosque many times - it is a beautiful building and my heart goes out to them.”

A Scotland Yard source said: “We are not treating the incident as Islamophobic.”