Cleric's son arrested at mosque

Abu Hamza has held prayers outside the mosque

A son of controversial Muslim cleric Sheikh Abu Hamza has been arrested after he was allegedly spotted climbing over the wall of Finsbury Park mosque in central London.

The 20-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary after the incident on Tuesday.

Mr Hamza has been banned by the Charity Commission from speaking at the mosque, which is currently closed.

Two policemen were allegedly injured after intervening in the incident, which involved four men.

Four men were arrested at Finsbury Park Mosque

Three other men in the group were also arrested at the mosque.

A 16-year-old and a 21-year-old were arrested for attempted burglary and assault, and a 26-year-old on suspicion of attempted burglary, assault, obstruction of the police and breach of the peace.

Mr Hamza's spokesman Abu Aziz refused to deny or confirm the arrests.

He said: "I have been advised by solicitors not to give any statement regarding this to the media."

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the arrests were not made in the mosque, but outside in the basement yard area.

Hospital treatment

A spokesman said: "They are all in custody in a north London police station.

"A police constable and sergeant - both based at Holloway police station - were injured during the arrest."

One required hospital treatment and the second was seen by a police doctor.

Abused position

Mr Hamza was removed from his position at the mosque by the Charity Commission - the North London Central Mosque Trust is a registered charity.

The cleric was accused of abusing his position to preach his radical brand of Islam and making inflammatory sermons.

But he claimed he had been victimised after the commission banned him from speaking at the mosque.

Mr Hamza claims that he has widespread support from worshippers at the mosque.