ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Arrest for mosque fire: 19yo in court on arson, burglary charge over New Lynn blaze

Author
Raphael Franks,
Publish Date
Wed, 6 Nov 2024, 9:04am
Imam Reza mosque in New Lynn, Auckland, where a suspected arson attack took place. Photos / Mike Scott
Imam Reza mosque in New Lynn, Auckland, where a suspected arson attack took place. Photos / Mike Scott

Arrest for mosque fire: 19yo in court on arson, burglary charge over New Lynn blaze

Author
Raphael Franks,
Publish Date
Wed, 6 Nov 2024, 9:04am

A man has been arrested and charged with arson after a fire at a mosque in Auckland’s New Lynn. 

Detective Inspector Callum McNeill said a 19-year-old was due to appear in the Waitakere District Court this morning charged with burglary and two counts of arson. 

“We are still working to establish why the man targeted the mosque,” McNeill said. 

He thanked those who offered information to police, saying it helped police make a quick arrest. 

Offender allegedly broke in under cover of darkness: What we know 

McNeill said yesterday police officers would be posted around the city’s other mosques in the coming days to reassure the community. 

Imam Reza Mosque on Astley Ave was broken into just before 1am yesterday. A glass door at the building’s rear had been smashed. Police believe the fire was deliberately lit. 

Imam Reza mosque in New Lynn, Auckland, was targeted in an alleged arson attack. Photos / Mike ScottImam Reza mosque in New Lynn, Auckland, was targeted in an alleged arson attack. Photos / Mike Scott 

The fire smouldered for another eight hours until it could be seen from the street and emergency services got a call, McNeill said. 

Police and fire investigators quickly established the fire was deliberately lit. 

There would be “an increased police presence around mosques” in Auckland “to ensure the community feel safe”, he said. 

McNeill has asked witnesses or anyone with information to contact police and reference file number 241105/3764. 

‘Tried to harm us’: Mosque chairman defiant 

A man connected to the Astley Ave religious centre told the Herald police were focusing on a smashed back window. 

A smashed glass door is visible as police investigate a fire at New Lynn's Imam Reza Mosque. Photo / Raphael FranksA smashed glass door is visible as police investigate a fire at New Lynn's Imam Reza Mosque. Photo / Raphael Franks 

“It’s crazy,” he said. 

“Doing things like this just creates more hatred, more fear.” 

The fire was so intense plastic chairs had melted, he said. 

Nobody was inside the building. 

“I’m just glad no one was hurt, that it wasn’t during prayer time,” he said. 

Mosque chairman Feridoun Salehi said in a message to his community: “There are those who tried to harm us, to shake the very foundations of our sacred space. 

“Let us remember that the walls of a masjid are strong, but they are not our true foundation. Our true foundation is our faith, our love, our patience, and our unity. These are the stones that no fire can burn, no attack can weaken, and no words can shake.” 

The fire smouldered for eight hours after being lit until it was seen from the street and emergency services got a call. Photos / Mike ScottThe fire smouldered for eight hours after being lit until it was seen from the street and emergency services got a call. Photos / Mike Scott 

Dr Muhammad Sajjad, president of the Islamic Council of New Zealand, says the Islamic community is scared and he wants to reassure the community police are investigating today’s the fire. 

Sajjad said there had been an increased number of concerning incidents related to religion and race-based crime that community members had reported to authorities in the past couple of months. 

“The people are a bit concerned about the increasing numbers of such incidents.” 

Taaj Mohamed, president of the nearby New Lynn Islamic Centre, says his organisation was dismayed at the attack. 

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022. 

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you