A TEENAGER has been charged after an attack on an Aberdeen mosque branded a hate crime by Police Scotland.

Spital Mosque was daubed with white paint on Saturday evening and later had a rock thrown through a window, shattering the glass on worshippers gathered inside who escaped shaken, but physically unharmed. 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Following an investigation into reports of vandalism at a mosque in Spital, Aberdeen, officers have arrested and charged a 17-year-old male. 

“Police are treating the incident as a hate crime.”

The attacks, during the holy month of Ramadan, come weeks after posters in the city for an Islamic charity were similarly defaced with white paint.

Aberdeen Labour councillor Nurul Hoque Ali warned of increasing hate crime and discrimination, citing “the rise of far-right extremism and Islamophobic rhetoric from politicians and media.”

But “kind neighbours helped clean up the mess, and others sent messages of support,” he added. “We are very grateful to them.”

In a joint statement on social media, the mosque and Islamic centre said: “We are very grateful to our neighbours and well-wishers in these difficult times.”

“The mosques in Aberdeen would like to assure all members of the community that, in light of these incidents, all the mosques are taking additional security measures as well as being assured of support from the police.

“The police will be performing additional patrols around the mosques during prayer and other busy times.

“We would ask all attendees and worshippers to please be alert and remain vigilant. However, do not be alarmed and continue with your efforts and prayers.”