Gardaí are investigating an arson attack at the Limerick Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre. A petrol bomb appears to have been used to start the fire while at least one person was inside.
The attack took place just before 1.30am on Thursday and, though the centre was occupied at the time, no injuries were reported as a result of the blaze.
“Gardaí received a report of an incident of criminal damage by fire that occurred at a premises in the Dooradoyle area, Co Limerick, on Thursday at approximately 1.30am,” Garda Headquarters said.
Gardaí also confirmed no injuries were reported and that investigations into the blaze were continuing.
The alarm at the centre was quickly raised and members of the emergency services rushed to the scene. The blaze was brought under control by members of the Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service.
The scene was sealed off as a crime scene for forensic analysis as part of the Garda investigation.
Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick has said that the attack on the Islamic Cultural Centre in Limerick is “worrying”.
“I would like to express the solidarity of Catholics with the Muslim community in Limerick at this time. As has been pointed out by others, such an attack is uncommon and not supported by the vast majority of people in Limerick,” he added.
“This incident is a wake-up call to us all to resolve to work actively for the promotion of good relations in our community and peace building in a world that is increasingly fractured and polarised.”