HARLOW MP made his thoughts very plain when he described the perpetrators of the suspected arson attack on the Harlow Islamic Centre as “scum of the earth.”

The press conference at centre in Paringdon Road took place with the charred remains of a side door as a backdrop.

Chief Insp Ed Wells was joined by the director of the centre, Mr AJ Hussain as well as Harlow MP, Robert Halfon.

Mr Hussain described how they discovered the damage when they arrived for morning prayers.

Ch.Insp Wells told how they were treating this as a hate crime but, in answer to a question from Sky News in relation the Barn Mead murders, the police, at this stage, were not linking it to that crime.

Barn Mead is just over one mile away from the Islamic Centre.

Harlow MP Robert Halfon also spoke and laid great stress on the community spirit in Harlow.

Prospective parliamentary candidate, Suzy Stride also sent a message of condemnation.

Suzy said: “The Islamic centre arson attack is a despicable and disgraceful act. Having spent time at the Islamic centre, getting to know the community, I know they are some of the most peaceful and charitable people I have met.

“I know Harlow Council will be offering support. The act is not reflective of the strong community that we have in Harlow.”