Police have arrested a man after five mosques had their windows smashed in Birmingham on Thursday.

West Midlands Police said a 34-year-old man from Perry Barr handed himself in at a Birmingham police station and was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage.

A 38-year-old man from the Yardley area of the city was also arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage on Friday afternoon after he was detained by members of the community but has been released without charge and ruled out of the ongoing investigation..

The 34-year-old remains in custody as police continue their investigation, which is being supported by the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.

Image: Windows at the mosques were smashed with sledgehammers

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Ward said: "This is a significant step forward in our enquiries however the investigation continues into the motive for the incidents.


"We are working extremely closely with mosques and local communities around the West Midlands and this will continue.

"It remains incredibly important that we unite together against those who seek to create discord, uncertainty and fear."

The mosques had their windows smashed in the early hours of Thursday between 1.25am and 3.15am.

Image: Two people have been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage

The mosques are:

:: Witton Islamic Centre, Witton Road, Aston

:: Masjid Madrassa Faizal Islam, The Broadway, Perry Barr

Image: The mosques had their windows smashed in the early hours of Thursday morning

:: Al Habib Trust, Birchfield Road, Aston

:: Jamia Mosque, Albert Road, Aston

:: Ghousia Mosque, Slade Road, Erdington

Image: A police investigation is continuing

Police say they have stepped up patrols at key locations to reassure communities and security advice is being provided to religious establishments across the West Midlands.

:: Anyone with information should contact police via Live Chat on west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or by calling 101.