TWO men have been charged following an alleged attack on a mosque in Ashley Road, Parkstone, yesterday.
Robert Mullins, 35, of Shaftesbury, and Trevor Mullins, 38, of Poole, have been charged with racially aggravated criminal damage
Two men are still being sought by police in connection with the incident.
Four windows were allegedly smashed at the premises of the Dorset Islamic Cultural Centre at 3.50pm.
The site is understood to be unoccupied at the time.
One man was arrested at the scene.
Another man was arrested later in the evening.
Inquiries are on-going into the incident.
Chief Inspector Richard Bell of Dorset Police said: “We have spoken to the occupants of the premises and reassured them that we will be paying closer attention to the premises.”
In 2009 a teenager who who racially abused worshippers at the mosque was jailed for two years.
"At 3.51pm on Thursday 23 May 2013, Dorset Police received a report of criminal damage at the Dorset Islamic Cultural Association building along Ashley Road in Poole," a spokesperson from Dorset Police said.
"Safer Neighbourhood Team officers are liaising with the Muslim community to provide reassurance. Anyone with any information about this incident should contact Bournemouth CID on 101, quoting incident number 23:299."
DI Becky Riggs of Dorset Police added: "Police still need to speak to two further people in connection with our enquiries.
"We would urge these two people to come forward and contact Bournemouth CID."
Superintendent Nicky Searle said: “In light of Tuesday’s tragic incident in Woolwich, London, Dorset Police is actively working with all communities in the county through Safer Neighbourhood Team officers to address any concerns about safety in Dorset.
“I would like to encourage anyone who sees any suspicious activity to immediately call, in confidence, the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or the police by dialling 999.
“The key thing to remember is that if you suspect it, you should report it without delay.”
The alleged attack was among the concerns raised by Poole residents at this morning's Police and Crime Commissioner Forum in Alderney.
Dorset PCC Martyn Underhill said afterwards: “There is no room for hatred in our communities.”
Note: We welcome your comments on this story but racist remarks or those intended to incite hatred are not permitted under our terms and conditions and may result in your account being terminated.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article