WORSHIPPERS fear a Southend mosque is being targeted by an organised group of racists.

The windows at the Essex Jamme Masjid mosque, in Chelmsford Avenue, have been repeatedly smashed by vandals, who strike at night.

Samsu Miah, chairman of the mosque, said he believed it was the work of “racists” because the attacks were happening so frequently.

He said: “I think it’s something organised really, I don't think it’s young boys.”

In the latest attack, a window was smashed at about 11.30pm on Sunday when there had been 15 to 20 people in the mosque. A piece of brick came flying through the window narrowly missing those inside.

Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were arrested and bailed in connection with the incident.

Further attacks happened at about 12.20am on June 7 and between midnight and 4am on May 25, when windows were smashed.

The building is still being transformed from former use by the United Reformed Church into a new mosque for the borough’s Muslims.

The £1.5million revamp has given the rear hall a makeover for its new use for daily prayers, while work is still going on in the main church building.

It has suffered repeated attacks since last year, and thugs also smashed glass in the front door of Imam Mahmudul Hasan’s neighbouring flat last December with a wooden stick.

His two daughters, aged seven and four, were asleep inside the flat at the time.

Imam Hasan said: “I do not understand the reason behind it. The church was here for many years and no people were coming in. It was converted as a worship place because it was built to be a worship place. It’s the same building used for the same purpose.”

PC Hugh Weeks, of Southend police, said: “We would appeal for witnesses to these incidents to come forward, and for intelligence from the community as to who’s committing these crimes of mindless vandalism.”

The teenagers arrested in connection with the brick incident were bailed until July 12.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Weeks on 0300 3334444.