A MAN has been arrested after petrol was thrown into the doorway of an empty North-East mosque in the eraly hours of Friday.

The petrol was not ignited and no damage was caused to the mosque in Chester Road, Sunderland.

Northumbria Police said early today that a 53-year-old man had been arrested. in connection with Police are treating the incident, which happened at 3am, as racially motivated and patrols in the area have been stepped up.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 03456 043 043 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.