Deliberate Fire Sets Imam Reza Mosque Ablaze
New Zealand police are currently investigating a suspected arson attack that took place at the Imam Reza Mosque in New Lynn, Auckland. Early on Tuesday morning, someone reportedly broke into the mosque and set it on fire, according to security footage. The fire, which smoldered undetected for several hours, is now under close examination by local authorities.
CCTV Footage Reveals Intentional Break-In
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage captured the moment of the break-in, showing an individual entering the mosque just before 1 a.m. The footage reveals that the suspect deliberately set a fire inside the building before fleeing the scene. Police have stated that they are using this footage as part of a larger investigation to identify the individual responsible.
Fire Burns for Hours Before Discovery
The fire continued to burn for nearly eight hours, filling the mosque with smoke and causing significant damage before it was discovered and emergency services were alerted. The long period between the fire’s ignition and its discovery has raised concerns over potential structural damage to the mosque, along with the safety of its congregants and the surrounding community.
Police Investigation: Seeking Suspect and Motive
Police in Auckland are actively investigating the incident, working to gather more evidence and determine a possible motive behind the attack. Authorities are treating this as a serious crime and have asked the public for any information that might assist in identifying the suspect. Community leaders and law enforcement are urging the public to report any suspicious activity in the area that could help bring the perpetrator to justice.
