The video will start in 8 Cancel

News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Two mosques in Birmingham were shot at with a catapult overnight in what locals believe could be a deliberate response to Tuesday's Westminster 'terror attack'.

West Midlands Police have stepped up patrols in Small Heath as they investigate the attacks, which are being treated as hate crimes and are thought to be linked.

Officers are investigating after windows were smashed at the two mosques when ball bearings and a catapult were used to attack the buildings.

Two separate mosques were targeted in Birmingham last night at around 10pm, where a gang smashed the windows during prayer time with weapons.

Thugs first used catapults on Masjid Qamarul Islam mosque on Fosbrooke Road and then headed to Al-Hijrah mosque on Hob Moor Road in Small Heath.

(Image: Caters News Agency)

(Image: Caters News Agency)

Armed officers were called to the scene and are urging anyone who may have seen the offences to come forward.

Speculation is rife on social media that the attacks were a direct response to the latest Westminster terror incident with suspect Salih Khater, a Sudanese national who lived in Birmingham, believed to attend a mosque in the city.

Dramatic video above - taken by Bearded Broz founder, Imran Hameed - captures the aftermath of the attack at one of the mosques.

A police car and two officers are filmed at the scene as concerned worshippers gather outside.

Imran, a community volunteer for a Muslim outreach group, said: "I think this was a direct reprisal to what happened in London.

"The people or person who did this is an idiot. With anything like this, everyone is a bit more cautions.

"My concern now is about people who are more vulnerable like ladies wearing the burkha or veil.

"They're easy targets for anyone who is angry and prejudiced."

Speaking to BirminghamLive , Imran said officers had been at the scene patrolling the area and reassuring worshippers and local residents.

Naveed Sadiq, a community volunteer and regular worshipper at Al-Hijrah mosque, said: "There's definitely a element of concern and tension is high in the community this morning.

"I think it was a direct response to what happened in London.

(Image: Caters News Agency)

"Whenever things like this happen, we face a backlash."

Dr Peter Rookes, Secretary of Birmingham Council of Faiths said: "Obviously we work for cohesion of people with different faiths.

"So to attack either the people or the faiths is completely deplorable and we utterly condemn it.

"A copycat crime like this is not unusual - what is needed is dialogue and clarity."

A statement from West Midlands Police read: "There will be a visible presence of officers in the area over the coming days as the force provides reassurance to worshippers and residents."

Superintendent Tom Joyce, from Birmingham Police, said: "We fully understand the concerns of the community following these two attacks.

(Image: Caters News Agency)

"The motives remain unclear and we are doing our utmost to discover who is responsible for these totally unacceptable incidents.

"We will have officers on patrol in the area to increase reassurance and speak to members of the community around any concerns.

"We want everyone to feel safe and secure in their own neighbourhoods and I would urge anyone with information which can assist our enquiries to call us on 101; or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."