A LEADING policeman investigating the latest arson attack at a Chester mosque has denied there is a racism problem.

Superintendent Ian Wiggett instead feels the fire is part of a 'general disorder' in Blacon.

Worshippers put out the fire when yobs poured a flammable liquid through the door of the Shahjalal Mosque on Clifton Drive, Blacon, in what police branded a 'faith hate' crime last Thursday.

Supt Wiggett said: 'We have not been able to link it to any tensions - it tends to be people on a certain evening in a certain frame of mind.

'This does not fit the pattern of a core of people out there intent on racist attacks.'

The mosque has been attacked several times before and CCTV suggests the attacker who poured the flammable liquid through the door may be different to those in previous incidents. A petrol fire was started near a side entrance last September, and a racist slogan was painted on the wall the summer before.

Community safety coordinator Sergeant Ken Ridgway said incidents had been reduced to 'virtually nil' thanks to work in local schools.

Supt Wiggett added: 'It has not been routinely targeted. It is a concern to worshippers who feel vulnerable but there is no indication these incidents are connected.

'We are dealing with people who have the wrong attitude. But they are probably not overtly racist and this is probably not a racist problem. They have a problem with the way they behave and one of the targets is the mosque.

'I wish I knew why it was targeted more than once - probably because it is a visible target.'

* Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 458000.