Vancouver mosque subject of attempted arson attack

A mosque in Vancouver has beenthe targetof an attempted arson attack.

Representatives from the Al Jamia Masjid mosque at 655 W. Eighth Ave. said a man tried to light up cardboard boxes in the courtyard of the building Thursday night.

In anemailto CBC News,Vancouver Police confirmeda patron of the mosque put out the fire that burnt thecorner of a box.

"There was no damage to the building or the hedge in the courtyard," said Const. RandyFincham.

Still, mosque trustee Haroon Khan said the incident has shaken patrons.

"This is a place of worship, it's a place of peace ... and to have an incident like this is very painful for us."

Khansaid the incident happened around 9 p.m. PT following evening prayers when congregation members were leaving the building.

"We're very grateful that we dodged a bullet in that if people were not here, the building could've very easily caught on fire."

Khan said a memberof the mosque approached whohe thought was a "suspicious"individualat the side of the building.

After a brief encounter, he said the suspect took off.

"Moments later, the flames erupted from the boxes that were on the side. The fire was very quickly put down, thankfully," he said.

Vancouver police say the suspecthas not been identified and the investigation is ongoing.