SOUTH Shore residents as well as Muslims were deeply upset after a proposed mosque was set on fire.

Someone squirted lighter fuel through the letterbox of the former Cartmel's sign workshop off Central Drive - just three days after the Fylde Islamic Community won planning permission to turn it into a mosque.

Though 400 neighbours had signed a petition objecting to the plan on traffic grounds, local councillor Norman Hardy said: "The residents are shocked and angered by this attack because the immediate impression is that those who objected to the mosque have taken matters into their own hands - and that is not the case.

"Certainly in all my discussions with them there was no reference to racism in any shape or form. I abhor this attack and I hope the police find the perpetrator."

The majority of the Fylde's Muslim population are doctors, like Islamic Community president Raheem Khan, who said: "We're determined to go ahead despite this attack.

"We are deeply upset that it happened, especially at a time when we were celebrating after so much struggle to get this project approved.

"We only hope and pray that in time they will see they're only fearing the unknown. Once the mosque is operational we want to develop a first class relationship with the local community as we have had in the past.

"We plan to invite the residents to come and visit us when the mosque is up and running."

As a registered charity, they are currently raising funds to start the building work.

The arson attack happened in the early hours of Thursday. It caused damage in the entrance hall. Police are still investigating and anyone who can help should call them on (01253) 604100 or (01253) 293933.

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