Two racist thugs who crept into a mosque and urinated on worshippers’ belongings as they prayed are being hunted by police.
The grinning pair were caught on CCTV as they entered Bath Islamic Centre before urinating on shoes and clothes left by worshippers during their evening prayers.
Detectives have released images of the incident, which they are treating as a hate crime against the local Muslim community.
Imam Rashad Amazi, a leader at the Bath Islamic Centre, said members of the mosque were “disgusted” by the attack.
He added: “While they were doing their prayers they heard very loud shouting inside the building.
“They couldn’t break their prayers but they were terrified.
“As soon as they’d finished, they ran to the ground floor where they thought the shouting was coming from. By that time the people had left.
“They smelled the alcohol and the urine and then found there was urine in their shoes and on the carpets.”
The incident happened at 11.50pm on July 11 as around ten worshippers prayed inside the mosque, which is situated in a terraced Georgian townhouse in Pierrepont Street.
It is thought the pair were drunk after boozing in the city centre.
Chief Superintendent Olivia Pinkney, district commander for Bath and north east Somerset, said: “This was a disgusting, mindless crime that caused huge upset to the worshippers and their families.
“The photos are very distinctive and I would very much like to know who it was so we can bring them to justice.
“The investigation is very much ongoing, which is why we have taken the step to ask the public for help in identifying the two men caught on CCTV.
“Someone must recognise them and we would urge people to come forward with information.”
Rosco Jones, from Bath and North East Somerset Racial Equality Council, said: “This was clearly a pre-planned attack to have a psychological impact on its victims.”
Anyone with information should contact PC Chris Minty at Bath Police Station on 0845 4567000 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.