Hawzah News Agency (Swindon, UK) – Mohammed Imrul Hoque from the Al Rahman Mosque and Education Centre in Godwin Court – near Mornington Crescent – said: “It is the blessed month of Ramadam when people give a lot of money to charity.”

The thief is suspected of stealing some of the money during the last prayer of the day on Thursday when the congregation had its backed turned, and then returning later, breaking in through a window and taking the rest of the donations.

Mr Hoque added: “We discovered money had gone so we locked the donation box in the office at night. Then he came back and broke in at 9am this morning (Friday). Forensics found blood on the window and found his mobile phone which must have fallen out their pocket.”

Two years ago bacon was thrown at worshippers inside the mosque in a suspected religious attacks.

“Every mosque has been going through this,” said Mr Hoque. “Hate crime is on the up. The media doesn’t help by showing Muslims in a negative context. We are saddened by the growth of hate crime. It’s shocking. We want our neighbours to be open minded and we should all stand together against racism, anti-social behaviour and hate crime.”

Police said in a statement: “There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.”