Finsbury Park Mosque attack: CCTV shows man toss petrol bomb over security gates

Police officers investigating the Molotov cocktail attack on Finsbury Park Mosque have released CCTV footage showing the suspect hurl the petrol bomb over security gates. It shows the arsonist approach the mosque with a bag that contained a jerry can filled with petrol before he hurls it at the north London mosque.

The incident happened at 8:25pm on Friday, 27 November, at St Thomas's Road in Islington and police were called after reports the man was seen acting suspiciously in the build up to the attack.

Police say the man tried to set the jerry can alight before hurling it into the compound of the mosque in an Islamophobic hate crime. He is described as a white male wearing a white hooded jumper, a white baseball cap and blue jeans. He is believed to have fled the scene on a moped. High visibility patrols have been stepped up in the area since the incident.

A statement on the mosque's website said: "Someone tried to burn the mosque by throwing a Molotov bottle... It did not explode and no one got hurt and no damage was done. We would like to assure our community in Islington that such crime has no place within our society and we are determined more than ever to promote community cohesion and harmony."

Detective Sergeant Stuart Smillie, the investigating officer from Islington Borough said: "Scorch marks were found on clothing wrapped around the jerry can. This was a clear and deliberate attempt to cause arson. Although the petrol did not fully ignite, the threat and intent was obvious and the resulting fire could quite easily have endangered anyone inside as well as those living nearby. I would urge anyone who recognises the man in this footage to get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Islington CID on 0207 421 0262 or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.