Thieves steal Bigley condolence book

Thieves have stolen a book of condolence opened in tribute to the murdered Iraq hostage Kenneth Bigley, it emerged today.

A framed photograph of the 62-year-old, candles and some sympathy cards were also taken from Birmingham Central Mosque, while another picture was turned upside down.

Muslim leaders from across the city had signed the book as a gesture of support to Mr Bigley's family.

Dr Mohammed Naseem, chairman of Birmingham Central Mosque, said: "They are sick people. We don't know who's done it and I can't put a motive on it.

"It's very distressing for us and undoubtedly for Mr Bigley's family."

The book was opened on Saturday morning and on display inside the mosque following the death of Mr Bigley at the hands of his captors last week.

It was to have been sent to the civil engineer's family in Liverpool to demonstrate the mainstream Muslim community's condemnation of his death.

The thefts and vandalism, which were discovered by a caretaker on Sunday morning, are thought to have occurred between 6.45pm and 9pm on Saturday.

A new book of condolence has now been opened at the mosque and
will be kept safe in the mosque office before being sent to Merseyside.

Earlier this year, a book of condolence for the victims of the Madrid bombings was stolen from the same mosque.

It had been signed by nearly 2,000 Muslims and religious leaders and was to have been sent to Spain.