Paisley mosque suffers hoax bomb threat less than 24 hours after London terror attacks

The Daily Mirror reports that a hoax bomb featuring a note containing the disturbing threat “You are next” was left outside a mosque in Paisley in Scotland last weekend.

The hoax bomb, which featured two canisters taped together with wire and wood was placed within a blue plastic bag, and placed on the steps outside Paisley Central Mosque with the accompanying note.

It was initially feared the two canisters contained lighter fluid but it was later revealed by police that they were cans of deodorant wrapped up to look like an explosive device.

CCTV captured the moment a man walked up to the mosque’s entrance before taking the package out from under his jacket and placing it outside.

The bag was left outside the mosque at around 6.40pm on Sunday 4 June, less than 24 hours after the London Bridge terror attacks which took place in the capital on Saturday.

The mosque secretary told the Paisley Daily Express that around 20 worshippers were in the mosque at the time. A member of the congregation spotted the bag leading to mosque members calling police.

The mosque secretary said, “It’s the aftermath of what’s happened in London over the weekend. It has an impact.”

Police Scotland appealed for members of the public with information on the suspect to come forward.

Paisley Inspector Tracy Harkins said, “A suspicious package was reported to local police after being left on the steps at the entrance of Paisley Central Mosque between 6.30pm and 7pm on Sunday.

“Earlier in the night, at around 6pm the suspect was seen talking to two men near to Craigielea Bar in Well Street.

“We would like these two men to come forward.”

Anyone with information on the suspect should contact police on 101. Alternatively, members of the public can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

UPDATE: Police Scotland revealed on 7 June 2017 that a 31-year-old man was arrested and charged and will be appearing in court in relation to the incident.