Belgium: Muslim Man Burns Mosque, Imam Dies

An axe-wielding man burst into a mosque outside Brussels Monday and started a fire that resulted in the death of the imam.

Police have not identified the suspect other than saying he claims to be a 34 year-old Muslim.

Witnesses say he ran into the building in a Brussels suburb and threatened worshippers with an ax and knife before starting the fire using a flammable liquid. The imam died after inhaling smoke and fumes while trying to put out the flames.

Police arrested the suspect, who had been locked him inside a room by worshippers at the mosque. A motive for the attack is unclear.

The mayor of the suburb is appealing for calm and for residents to allow police to complete their investigation.