Bigley book of condolence stolen

The book was opened at the mosque on Saturday morning

A book of condolence opened in tribute to the murdered Iraq hostage Kenneth Bigley has been stolen.

Thieves also took a framed photograph of him, candles and some sympathy cards from Birmingham Central Mosque.

The book, believed to have gone on Saturday, was due to go to Mr Bigley's family to show the mainstream Muslim community's condemnation of his death.

Earlier this year a book of condolence for the victims of the Madrid bombings was stolen from the same mosque.

They are sick people... we don't know who's done it and I can't put a motive on it Dr Mohammed Naseem, Birmingham Central Mosque

The latest tribute was opened on Saturday morning and put on display inside the mosque following the death of 62-year-old Mr Bigley at the hands of his captors last week.

Muslim leaders from across Birmingham signed the book as a gesture of support to his family in Liverpool.

But on Sunday morning a caretaker discovered the thefts and that a picture had been turned upside down.

It is thought the items were taken between 1845 and 2100 BST on Saturday.

The new book will be kept safe in the mosque office

Dr Mohammed Naseem, chairman of Birmingham Central Mosque, said: "They are sick people. We don't know who's done it and I can't put a motive on it.

"It's very distressing for us and undoubtedly for Mr Bigley's family."

A new book of condolence has now been opened at the mosque.

It will be kept safe in the mosque office before being sent to the civil engineer's family.

The book for the victims of the Madrid bombings had been signed by nearly 2,000 Muslims and religious leaders.