TWO men a woman invaded a mosque and shouted racist abuse.

Police are trying to trace the trio who caused a disturbance at the Nasir Mosque on Brougham Terrace in Hartlepool at 7.45pm on Tuesday, February 5.

Imam Tahir Selby was leading prayers at the male side of the mosque and did not see the trouble, but was later informed.

He said: “They came in and went upstairs to the ladies’ side. Someone challenged them about why they were there.

"At first they said they wanted the toilet but then they started shouting abuse.

"I don’t know what they said exactly but it was chanting. I think it was the usual sort of thing people face. As far as I understand it was having a go at nationality and religion and they eventually left.

“We got them on CCTV. I’d say one was about 20 and the others were 23 or 24. They weren’t young kids.”

All are described as young, white and of slim build. Both the men were wearing black woolly hats and tracksuits. The woman had long, fair hair and cream coat.

The Nasir Mosque was built at a cost £500,000 and was the first purpose built mosque in Hartlepool.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Claire McMahon on the non-emergency number 101.

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