POLICE are appealing for information after a Nelson mosque was targeted by burglars last night, Tuesday 22nd October.

The burglary took place around 7.45pm at the Islamic Mission Madina Mosque on Forest Street. Police believe the offenders have sneaked into the Mosque during prayer and hidden inside until the prayers were over and the mosque was empty.

The offenders have then entered the ground floor prayer room where they have removed two large metal locked safes which were bolted to the wall. They have then carried the two safes up a flight of stairs and out through a fire exit door leading down to the rear back yard.

The safes contained several hundred pounds in cash and police are appealing for information that could help with their investigation to come forward.

PC Matthew Walton said: “The Mosque was secured so we strongly believe the offenders have been inside during the day and remained until everyone had left.

“I would appeal to anybody that attended prayers yesterday that saw anybody acting suspiciously or with any information about this burglary to come forward and speak with Lancashire Police on 101.

“The safes would have been very heavy and therefore we suspect a vehicle will have been used to transport them so I’d also be keen to speak with anyone that has seen a vehicle at the rear of the Mosque on Tuesday night.

“This is a serious offence and I’d urge anybody with any information about anybody they suspect could be involved to contact police in confidence.”

People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.