Bomb squad called to mosque

Bomb disposal experts have been called to a mosque after the discovery of a suspicious item.

West Midlands Police said Army experts had ordered the evacuation of almost 40 homes in the vicinity of the place of worship in Rutter Street, Walsall.

A police spokesman confirmed that officers were alerted to the suspicious item at 10.45pm last night after it was found by a member of the public.

The spokesman said the item was found in the grounds of the mosque by the member of the public and was then taken inside the building.

Stressing that the evacuation of homes was a "precautionary and temporary" measure, the spokesman added: "Officers were immediately dispatched and cordoned off an area around the building.

"Army bomb disposal experts are currently at the scene and have this morning ordered the evacuation of around 39 homes in the immediate vicinity of the mosque.

"People in the affected area and who are unable to make alternative arrangements are being taken to Walsall Town Hall, where they will be cared for.

"Officers are continuing to work hard to establish what the item is and how it got there."

Meanwhile, local officers remain at the scene and are talking to residents to keep them up-to-date with the incident and offer reassurance.

Officials from Walsall Council are also working closely with the emergency services to support local people and minimise disruption in the area.

A 40-metre section of Rutter Street, in the Caldmore area of Walsall, remained cordoned off this morning and two uniformed Army personnel were at the scene.

Police investigators were also still outside the Aisha Mosque and Islamic Centre, including one officer wearing a blue full-length forensic suit, who could be seen taking photographs of areas of interest near the building.

Viyja Kainth, the vice-chairman of Palfrey and Caldmore Neigherhood Watch and residents' group, praised the work of Walsall Council in helping to provide accommodation to those forced to leave their homes.

Mr Kainth, who also thanked members of the St John Ambulance for their help, said: "We were told by the police that there was an incident of a serious nature.

"The residents were evacuated in the early hours of the morning when the council put in place its procedures.

"I must say that the council did a good job in getting their resources and staff together to provide that service.".

Ali Mahmood, the chair of the local traders' association, said local people had been given no details of the nature of the suspicious item.

"It's a very big shock for the local community," he told reporters. "To see the road cordoned off like this is shocking."