Second suspected arson attack targets Swedish mosque

ESLOV, Sweden, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- A suspicious fire damaged a mosque early Monday in what appears to be the second arson attack on a Swedish Muslim worship center in less than a week.

The fire started about 3 a.m. in the city of about 18,000 in south Sweden and was quickly extinguished.

There was no major damage and no one was injured. Officials said the fire was likely caused by a flammable liquid and is assumed to be arson.

"There is no possible natural explanation for this type of fire to break out by itself," Fire department spokesperson Gustaf Sandell said.

On Thursday, fire ripped through a mosque in Eskilstuna, injuring five people as they were attending midday prayers. Witnesses said they saw someone throw something through a window moments before the blaze. No arrests have been made.