Two teenage boys have been arrested in connection with a fire at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden on Saturday. The 5.2 acre mosque serves the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and there is space for at least 10,500 worshippers.
The blaze, that was believed to be the biggest, was tackled by 70 firefighters. The mosque was not damaged, though the adjusting administration building was badly affected. The mosque also has a community centre attached to it. About 50% of the building's ground floor was damaged as well as part of the first floor and a section of the roof.
The boys who are 16 and 14, were arrested earlier on Sunday on suspicion of arson at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden and remained in police custody in a South London station.
Station manager Philip Morton said: "This was a large fire and our crews worked hard in difficult conditions to confine it to the administrative buildings on the site and thanks to their efforts the mosque itself escaped completely unscathed.
"Throughout the incident we worked closely with the local community to ensure or damage control operations took into account the religious significance of the building's contents."
Rafiq Hayat, national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, said: "By the Grace of God the mosque is safe and unaffected and there were no injuries and no loss of life.
"The fire was contained to the hall at the front of the building and some adjacent offices.
"We are extremely grateful for the support of the local community and leaders."
