Two men have been arrested after allegedly forcing their way into a mosque in Cardiff.

The incident early on Sunday came just hours after Muslim leaders in the UK had called for more funding to protect the millions of Muslims in the country.

South Wales Police said the two suspects, aged 18 and 19, were arrested after reportedly breaking into the Dar Ul Isra community centre at about 1.30am.

The two men in custody are both from the Cardiff area and officers are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, the force said.

It is currently the holy month of Ramadan, when many Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Some opt to gather at mosques during the night and to break their fasts there, especially towards the end of sacred period.

In a joint statement with the Muslim Council of Wales, the mosque said: “Nobody from the mosque was injured and the police have arrested the two individuals who were involved.

Faith Association chief executive Shaukat Warriach told Sky News that security at mosques was “critical”.

He said: “Muslims have been facing attacks going to and from mosques. We’ve seen women being abused going to mosques, even with children. They’ve been attacked.”

Concern for the safety of Muslims has increased, with hate crime soaring after recent terror attacks.