THE West Midlands crime commissioner has vowed attacks on mosques it the region will not be tolerated following a series of incidents in Birmingham.

Police are investigating five reports of damage to buildings, including that a man was seen smashing windows with a sledgehammer.

The motive behind the attacks, which are being treated as linked, is yet to be established but West Midlands Police and the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit are investigating.

West Midlands police and crime commissioner, David Jamieson, said: "These are shocking incidents which appear to have been designed to cause distress and alarm.

"Attacks of this nature have no place in our community and will not be tolerated. I want to reassure people that West Midlands Police is doing all it can to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"People will be horrified by these attacks on the Muslim community.

"Birmingham is a tolerant city and will not allow these extreme acts that attempt to divide us."

Police are investigating incidents in Aston, Perry Bar, Erdington and central Birmingham.

West Midlands Police chief constable, Dave Thompson, said: "Since the tragic events in Christchurch, New Zealand, officers and staff from West Midlands Police have been working closely with our faith partners across the region to offer reassurance and support at mosques, churches and places of prayer.

"At the moment we don't know the motive for last night's attacks.

"What I can say is that the force and the Counter Terrorism Unit are working side by side to find whoever is responsible."

Mr Thompson added: "At difficult times like this, it is incredibly important that everyone unites against those who seek to create discord, uncertainty and fear in our communities."

Anyone with information has been asked to contact police via Live Chat between 8am and midnight, calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.