A 34-year-old man has been arrested under the Terrorism Act and is being questioned by police after an attack on the Belfast Islamic Centre.
The attack at the centre on Belfast's University Road took place at around 10pm last night.
A man was prevented from entering the building several times because security staff were suspicious about his behaviour.
He then went round to the side of the building and used a brick to smash a window before hurling some form of incendiary device inside.
There were around 30 man in the mosque at the time for evening prayers and a number of women were also in the centre.
Police were on the scene within minutes and the 34-year-old man was arrested.
The building was evacuated and the area cordoned off until British army bomb disposal officers examined the item and removed it.
Those who run the centre said the incident could have been much worse if the man had managed to gain access to the building.
The centre, which has more 11,000 members from more than 40 nationalities, was open today.
'It's terrifying'
Kashif Akram, a member of the Executive Committee, said they were determined not to be intimidated, but said it had been a frightening ordeal for those in the building at the time.
"It's terrifying when they actually understood the extent of the danger they were in," he said.
"Had the device gone off when it was thrown in, had it gone off at any time when he was actually trying to gain access to the building, we might be having a different
conversation today.
"Security did a great job, they sensed that something was wrong.
"The community won't be intimidated at all, we've encouraged people to come in today this business as usual. We'll make sure all congregational prayers take place, and for an act of solidarity, the more we have, the better."
The centre has been attacked several times in the past, but Mr Akram said this was the most serious incident.
'Acts like these spread fear and division' - Sinn Féin MLA
Alliance MLA for South Belfast Paula Bradshaw condemned the attack, which she said did "not reflect the diversity of south Belfast in 2025".
"This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time.
"Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police.
"Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity.
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"I would like to express my solidarity with all those who were evacuated and my thanks to all those who worked to ensure their safety."
Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey said that "no-one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship".
"Acts like these, fuelled by hate, spread fear and division, and target people who have come to our communities to build a life and call this place home.
"It's vital that all political leaders speak out and stand united against this disgusting behaviour."
'Cowardly and vicious act'
Green Party Councillor Aine Groogan condemned the attack as a "cowardly and vicious act".
"I am horrified to hear about the attack on the Islamic Centre during evening prayers," she said.
"I want to pay tribute to the courageous passer-by who intervened and prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome.
"It is terrifying to consider what might have happened and I sincerely hope that all those present are recovering from this traumatic ordeal."
She added: "This attack is yet another reminder of the very real danger faced by our Islamic community.
The recent rise in racist hate and violence on our streets is a shameful stain on our society.
"We must all take responsibility for actively challenging racism, misinformation and bigotry wherever it appears before someone is seriously hurt.
"I urge those politicians who continue to hide behind the notion of so-called 'legitimate concerns' around migration to reflect on the consequences of their words.
"Such narratives are as disingenuous as they are dangerous. They help foster a culture in which hate can thrive. Frankly, they should know better."
Additional reporting PA
