Primer Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned a break-in at Elaf Mosque in Cheadle Heath, which saw the building vandalised and items stolen.

In a letter to members of the Elaf Mosque, the PM said: "The ransacking of a place of worship is completely despicable. [...]

"I was appalled to hear of the disrespect, damage and theft that you faced."

The break-in took place in the early hours of Saturday 21 March - the day after an Eid celebration at the mosque.

The intruder(s) stole around £5,000 in cash, vandalised equipment, and threw religious texts on the floor.

In the letter, the Prime Minister continued: "As well as being deeply distressing for those first on the scene after the incident, I realise this atrocious act will have a profound impact on those who attend the mosque and the wider Muslim community of Cheadle Heath. 

"A mosque is much more than a place of worship. It is where the community finds a sense of peace. 

"Please accept my best wishes as you come together to support one another during this challenging time. You are in my thoughts and have my full support as you moved forward in the days ahead."

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Stockport MP Navendu Mishra similarly said he was 'deeply saddened' to hear of the ransack and echoed the comments of the PM, adding he was 'pleased that the Prime Minister has personally reached out'.

"I echo his words of support for the community during this difficult time", Mr Mishra said.

"What happened was truly terrible; vandalising a place of worship, especially just after Eid celebrations, is completely unacceptable."

Speaking just after the break-in, Ahmed Halel, the administrator at the mosque, told the BBC: "We are scared to host the prayers now.

"I am worried about our kids, about our families, about the ladies.

"We did not feel safe even yesterday - we had to close the main door behind us because we were frightened during prayers."

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