A mosque in High Wycombe has been targeted in a “racist hate attack”, with bottles of alcohol being thrown at the building in an attempt to smash the windows while people prayed inside.

Community leaders have now condemned last week's attack on Totteridge Mosque which they say poses a “serious threat to a cohesive and diverse society”.

A “youth” was spotted throwing the bottles against a window at the back of the mosque, in Totteridge Road, at about 10.50pm last Wednesday, before driving off quickly in a car.

Detectives have now confirmed they are investigating the worrying incident, which they say is being treated as a racist hate attack.

Director of community relations organisation Islamix, Mohammed Khaliel, was inside the mosque when the unknown man approached the building and attempted to smash the windows.

Mr Khaliel said: “When worshippers looked at the back a male youth was seen rushing into a car and driving off at speed. Shattered glass and alcohol was spread on the ground.

"We were shocked to hear the glass smashing and loud bang noise, followed by the speeding off by the car.

"The good news is that we have a comprehensive CCTV system at the mosque and I hope it’s just a matter of time before the offenders are caught."

Mr Khaliel – who is also a police consultant – added that there was reluctance from some members of the public to approach the police over the attack, but warned all crimes needed to be reported.