Mosque leaders are urging the community to tell police about stone thieves who have targeted their place of worship.

The disappearance, between Friday night and Saturday morning, of two Yorkshire stone flags from the boundary wall surrounding Jamia Massid Yarsoolallah building in Leeds Old Road has shocked worshippers.

Councillor Mohammed Shafiq (Lab, Bradford Moor) said: “Some of the mosque’s attendees were sitting outside in a car because there had been a late event happening at the mosque. They saw two young Asian men acting suspiciously near the wall then realised what they were trying to do so they challenged them and the men ran off.”

The first man was wearing a grey hooded top and was about 5ft 9ins and slim. The other man was wearing a brown hoodie, was of medium build and was about 5ft 7ins.

They are believed to have been aged between 18 and 20, said Coun Shafiq. Both the suspects are believed to be local.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.