CHRISTIAN faith leaders have today come together to condemn the "horrific" petrol bomb attack on a Grimsby mosque as two fathers – both ex-soldiers, one of whom had served in Iraq – were accused of arson.
Grimsby men Stuart Harness, 33, and Gavin Humphries, 37, are charged with arson with intent to endanger the lives of others on May 26.
Their high-profile appearance before Grimsby magistrates attracted national television coverage – and during the hearing, four local men draped England and union flags on railings outside the court.
As police confirmed they will continue to patrol the area around the mosque, in Weelsby Road, Christian groups in North East and Northern Lincolnshire came together to say: "We are appalled and deeply saddened by the horrific and foolish act against a peaceful worshipping community.
"While no one, thankfully, was physically hurt in this attack, the effect will be felt very deeply not only by the members of the mosque, but by the wider community of Grimsby.
"All are entitled to worship peacefully, and to enjoy and be enriched by, the community of their place of worship without fear.
"After our horror at the events in Woolwich and this attack in Grimsby, we pray for, and encourage, friendship, and not violence, as the first response to a crisis.
"Our thoughts, prayers and support are with the Muslim community of Grimsby and around the country."
The accused men, both of the same address in Dixon Avenue, Grimsby, appeared in custody before the magistrates – who were told they would both be "vigorously denying" the allegations.
The hearing was told how Harness was born in New Holland and had served in the Army for 13 years, including in Iraq, Kosovo and Northern Ireland.
He had children and worked as a radiographer for a Stallingborough engineering company, said Mr Foreman. Humphries, a father of two, had served in the Army but was now unemployed, and his family live in Grimsby.
The mother of Harness was among those in the public gallery for the hearing and they briefly spoke to each other through a small gap in the secure dock.
Prosecuting, Brendan Woodward gave details of the alleged offences to the court and asked for both defendants to be remanded in custody.
The cases were sent to Grimsby Crown Court under a fast-track system for more serious cases.
Defence solicitors Richard Hackfath, representing Humphries, and Roy Foreman, for Harness, asked for both defendants to be allowed bail.
The magistrates refused the request after lengthy deliberations and both men were further remanded in custody.
Both defence solicitors indicated that the men would be vigorously denying the allegations, and no formal pleas were taken.
Humphries and Harness are due to appear before the higher court on June 7.
The case attracted several television reporters and camera crews.
The four Grimsby-area men who turned up outside the court and draped flags on railings, told the Grimsby Telegraph they did not represent any particular group, but were concerned for the future of their country.
One said: "We want our country back. We are not racist but we want our country back."
Police have today said they will continue to patrol the mosque, and keep in touch with the community there.
As reported, there was a separate incident at the mosque last Thursday, when 11 teenagers were arrested after smashing windows and damaging cars.
Police said those arrested had been drinking at a nearby house party and were seemingly left to their own devices, which resulted in the party getting out of hand and a group of teenagers causing a lot of damage and distress for residents in the area.
Following early investigations, six of those people have been released without charge.
Four 16-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy have been released on bail until the end of June.
