BREAKING

Weapon charges for man arrested over Watford mosque graffiti.

The man detained for religiously motivated graffiti at a Watford mosque has also been charged with weapons possession.

Danny Manning, of Watford, has been charged with one crime of religiously aggravated criminal damage, two charges of possessing a knife or bladed article, and one count of possessing an offensive weapon.

According to Herts Police, the first charge was for spray-painting a cross sign on the perimeter fencing around the former St Thomas’ Church on Langley Road, which is being rebuilt into a mosque.

Graffiti on the hoarding outside the former St Thomas’ Church(Image: Cllr Asif Khan)

Officers recovered an axe and a Stanley-type knife from a vehicle near Watford, as well as a samurai sword, during further searches.

Manning, 26, appeared in Hatfield Remand Court yesterday (October 7) and was remanded in custody for a subsequent court hearing on November 4.

Herts Police are continuing to investigate the graffiti at the former church, as well as two more incidents of criminal damage including religiously charged graffiti at Watford mosques.

The Imam Hussein Foundation Centre in North Approach was targeted overnight between Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, while the North Watford Jamia Mosque on North Western Avenue was targeted early Sunday morning.

Detective Inspector Chris Parperi said: “We are pleased to have obtained a charge in connection with the attack on the former St Thomas’ Church on Langley Road, which we hope will bring some reassurance to the community.

“I want to reiterate to them that we’re continuing our enquiries into both this case, and the two further incidents which happened elsewhere in Watford, while we await Manning’s next court date.”

Graffiti on the door of The Imam Hussein Foundation Centre(Image: Cllr Asif Khan)

Inspector Simon Cooper stated: “Yesterday, the Chief Inspector and I visited three mosques to provide comfort and an update on the police investigation, as well as listen to worshippers’ concerns. Man arrested for’religiously aggravated’ graffiti on Watford mosque. Man, 26, suspected of’religiously inflamed’ graffiti against two more mosques.

Police appeal after a man punches a van window. “Later this week, a dedicated church and community leaders meeting will allow our partners to share concerns and issues in an open and supportive setting.

“In the aftermath of last week’s heinous attack in Manchester, additional patrols were deployed to synagogues, mosques, and schools in Hertfordshire.”

“We will continue to boost patrols in the area of all faith and community institutions, particularly during worship services.

We are constantly watching any rising communal tensions and will take strong action against racially or religiously aggravated criminality.”

Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com