Counter-terror police are investigating a series of hoax packages containing white powder sent to mosques in London, which may be linked to a hate mail incident at the House of Lords. Lord Ahmed, an independent peer, received an envelope with white powder and a note reading 'p*** filth' yesterday afternoon, prompting a security alert in Parliament.
The North East Counter Terror Unit (CTU) confirmed that at least three mosques in Tottenham, Leyton, and Finsbury Park received similar envelopes, one bearing the same racist message. A business address in Canning Town was also targeted. The substances have been confirmed as harmless, and no injuries have been reported.
Toufik Kacimi, chief executive of Muslim Welfare House in Finsbury Park, said the building was evacuated after the package was opened. He noted a more hostile environment towards foreigners since the Brexit referendum. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn personally called him to offer reassurance.
A worshipper at the Tottenham mosque described the package as having a crossed-out drawing of a mosque and a racist message. Lord Ahmed, who was covered in powder after opening the envelope, expressed concern about the threat, especially following the murder of MP Jo Cox last month.
