A mosque in northern Belgium faced a disturbing act of vandalism after attackers painted swastikas and hate messages on its doors and windows.

The incident targeted the Tawfieq Mosque in Schelle, in Antwerp province. Mosque board members discovered the damage on Friday morning.

The attackers also left dog faeces outside the mosque entrance. The mosque board said members felt extremely shocked when they discovered the damage.

Officials photographed the scene before they cleaned the building ahead of Friday prayers. They then filed a police complaint against the unknown perpetrators.

Police Investigate Mosque Vandalism

Local Rupel police confirmed the incident and said officers were taking the case seriously.

Police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the vandalism.

The authorities will examine available evidence as they investigate the attack. The mosque has also formally complained about the incident.

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The case has raised fresh concerns about security around Muslim places of worship in Belgium.

Muslim Rights Group Condemns Attack

Muslim Rights Watch Belgium strongly condemned the vandalism.

The organisation described the incident as an explicit expression of anti-Muslim hatred. Its chairman, Mohamed Amin Chaib, said authorities should not treat the incident as ordinary troublemaking.

The group also plans to file its own complaint. It has urged authorities to strengthen security around mosques.

Calls for Greater Protection

The incident has renewed concerns over hate-motivated attacks against religious institutions.

Community representatives want authorities to improve protection around mosques and respond firmly to acts of religious hatred.

Police continue to investigate the Tawfieq Mosque incident. Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects so far.