Hunt for Elgin Mosque vandal
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POLICE are carrying out house-to-house enquiries into vandalism at Elgin Mosque, warning that such acts "won't be tolerated by the Elgin community".
An extensive CCTV review is under way in an attempt to identify a man seen in the area at the time.
Offensive graffiti – including swastikas and misspelt insults – was spray-painted on the South Street building at around 11pm on Monday, May 20.
A search was launched at the time and an investigation is being carried out which includes house-to-house enquiries in the area.
Officers still want to identify and trace a man who was seen around the time. The man is described as white, aged 30-40, around 5ft 10in in height, of a slim build with short brown hair. He was wearing blue jeans and potentially a dark hooded top.
Detective Inspector Martin Macdougall said: "A review of local CCTV is currently ongoing, along with house-to-house enquiries to obtain private footage of the area.
"Numerous people have been spoken to already. However, if you have footage which could help but have not yet been spoken to by police, please get in touch as soon as possible. Likewise, if you think you have any information at all which could assist, contact police, quoting reference number 4577 of May 20. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555111.
"I would like to thank members of the mosque for their support so far as we carry out our enquiries, and again thanks to those who have provided information.
"This was a mindless act and it won’t be tolerated by the Elgin community."
Richard Lochhead MSP said in the wake of the incident: "I hope the mosque can take comfort from the fact that the community is rallying round and uniting in condemnation of this mindless act – with people volunteering to clean up the graffiti.
"I urge anyone who knows who may be responsible to contact Police Scotland."
