Pair arrested for Grimsby mosque attack believed to be ex-soldiers

One of the defendants is thought to have spent time at Woolwich whilst serving

The Grimsby Islamic Cultural Centre was targeted with petrol bombs (Google)

Two men who have appeared in court after a mosque was petrol-bombed are believed to be former soldiers, it has emerged today.

Stuart Harness, 33, and Gavin Humphries, 37, who have been remanded in custody, are thought to have served with an artillery regiment, official sources have confirmed.

It is also believed that one of the defendants spent time in Woolwich while serving in the Army.

The pair, from Grimsby, were arrested after Grimsby Islamic Cultural Centre was attacked for the second time in three days on Sunday while a young family was inside.

Both appeared at the town's magistrates' court today charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

No pleas were entered and the case will be sent to Grimsby Crown Court where it will be heard on June 7, a magistrates court official added.

The petrol-bombing was the second time the centre on Weelsby Road has been targeted since Drummer Lee Rigby was killed in Woolwich last week.

Eleven teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were arrested after a party spiralled out of control on Thursday.

PA