The iconic sign 'Love for all hatred for none' survived this afternoon when Morden mosque - Europe's largest - caught fire. But damage was done and one person was taken to hospital.
These videos from Doggy Boutique - a shop in Morden - show the fire and how far it could be seen from
If you can help in the next few days for any assistance the mosque may need DM @wimbledonnews
Very grateful. God bless you all https://t.co/dUL6xZR1G5
— Basharat بشارت (@BashaNazir) September 26, 2015
London fire brigade sent 10 fire engines and 70 firefighters to tackle the fire at the Baital Futuh mosque shortly after midday.
The fire was initially said to have hit most of the huge mosque but mosque-goers have said the hall where worshippers gather was evacated quickly after the fire started there.
Morden councillor Imran Uddin has said it is believed to be an accident.
Police and ambulance were also called.
Merton Council leader Stephen Alambritis said one person had been taken to hospital for a smoke related injury.
But he said everyone else was safe.
Phil Morton, station commander for Croydon fire station, told the Press Association the cause of the blaze was still unknown.
"We are working very hard to control the fire but, as it's such a big building with such high ceilings, I imagine it will take a while yet," he said.
"We are using an aerial appliance to apply water to the roof - a fire break to stop the fire spreading.
"We expect a large amount of the building to be damaged."
The mosque has a motto above its building; Love For All, Hatred For None
Muslims and non-Muslims have already expressed their dismay at the damage likely to be left behind by the fire.
But the hatred received by Muslims is also evident as online a small minority have also expressed joy at the fire.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to @AhmadiyyaUK and @LondonFire and those involved trying to save building & artefacts at Morden Mosque
— Oonagh Moulton (@oonaghmoulton) September 26, 2015
One person taken to hospital for smoke related injury otherwise all OK and fire now under control at Morden Mosque thanks to @LondonFire
— Stephen Alambritis (@cllr_alambritis) September 26, 2015
I pray there's no injuries in the Morden mosque fire. How awful.
— Michael Baggs (@Baggsy) September 26, 2015
Big love to the Ahmadi community today, so sad whats happened to the Morden Mosque
— ن (@yroredaw) September 26, 2015
I have been to Morden Mosque-which is home to the persecuted Islamic group-the Ahmadiyias-in UK. I support it against persecution. Fire sad!
— I am freedom. (@PoliticoVoice) September 26, 2015
People who are cheering about Morden mosque being on fire are total low lives. Disgusting!!
— Tayla Thompson (@TaylaThompsonx) September 26, 2015
Some absolutely shocking responses to the Morden Mosque burning. Even during such a devastating disaster people find time to display hatred.
— Rhammel Afflick (@Rhammified) September 26, 2015
The mosque is used by members of the Ahmadiyya muslim community - a sect of Islam.
It recently held the largest convention for muslims in the UK.
Related: What's it like behind the scenes at the Baitul Futuh Mosque
The huge building contains an on-site bread factory where it is said around 10,000 naan breads are produced an hour.
If you can help in the next few days for any assistance the mosque may need DM the newsdesk @wimbledonnews
Or call the news desk on 07889 306921.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel