A MUSLIM leader has hit out after the new site for a mosque in Clitheroe was targeted by vandals.

Windows in the former Mount Zion Methodist Chapel in Lowergate, Clitheroe, were smashed, prompting police to investigate if the attack was racially motivated.

The building, which has also been used a factory in recent years, was approved for use as a mosque in December, ending Clitheroe Muslim community's 30-year search for a place of worship.

The planning application to convert the chapel was submitted by the Medina Islamic Education Centre based in Holden Street, and secretary of the group, Sheraz Arshad, said the damage had come as a blow.

The 31-year-old father of three said: "It is very disappointing that, if this is racially motivated, in this day and age people choose to express their grievances through mindless criminal damage when perhaps they should have approached us and had a discussion and dialogue.

"That's what I would see as the British way of doing things and the right way to deal with it. We are trying our level best to develop something for the whole community character yet individuals are trying to ruin and damage this landmark building."

Clitheroe police confirmed they were looking in to the damage, which occurred between 4pm and 5pm, on Sunday, causing approximately £150-worth of damage.

A police spokesman said: "There are a number of potential explanations for this and we are conducting a full investigation in to the incident."

A consultation period has now been embarked upon with local residents and Mr Arshad said it could be up to two years before the building is in full use as a mosque and community centre.