This is the moment a thug smashes a sledgehammer through the window of a mosque - one of five attacked in one night.

CCTV shows the shadowy figure appearing outside the front of the Witton Islamic Centre in Aston at around 1.20am today.

A sledgehammer is then thrown through the window, sending smashed glass everywhere.

The figure pauses before he flees the scene.

It is believed the man returned around 30 minutes later to the same mosque in Witton Road, where he smashed other windows.

The mosque was one of five religious centres which had their glass windows and doors knocked out in a series of attacks early this morning.

The Faizul Islam Masjid on the nearby Broadway was also attacked, followed by the Jamia Masjid Ghousia on nearby Albert Road.

Mosques on Birchfield Road and Slade Road and Erdington were also targeted.

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

Javid Iqbal, from Witton Islamic Centre, said: “I was called about 5.30am and 5.45am and that’s when the worshippers arrived.

"We checked the CCTV and realised it was about 1.20am when, as far as we can tell, one male used a sledgehammer.

Five Birmingham mosques attacked with sledgehammers in shocking overnight strikes (Image: Birmingham Mail) View gallery

“He swung the sledgehammer and it landed in the mosque.

“He then disappeared and came back approximately half an hour later and smashed the rest of the windows.

“It’s concerning. It’s a multicultural area .

“We are going to step up security.”

While workers from the mosques cleaned up and repaired the damage, police said they are stepping up patrols and reviewing CCTV.

(Image: PA)

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: “Since the tragic events in Christchurch, New Zealand, officers and staff from West Midlands Police have been working closely with our faith partners across the region to offer reassurance and support at mosques, churches and places of prayer.

“At the moment we don’t know the motive for last night’s attacks.

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“What I can say is that the force and the Counter Terrorism Unit are working side-by-side to find whoever is responsible.

“At difficult times like this, it is incredibly important that everyone unites against those who seek to create discord, uncertainty and fear in our communities.”