Police are investigating an attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Melbourne where a dozen young men rode bicycles through the prayer area and smashed windows Sunday night.

The gang climbed over the wall of the building and put a steel ladder through the tall glass windows. They destroyed a badminton court, took bikes from storage and rode through the prayer area.

“A place of worship is a place of communion for all people,” said Imam Wadud of House of Peace. “Anyone who can be respectful of this place will always be welcome here.”

Imam Wadood Ahmad Junud who lives in the precincts of the Ahmadi place of worship was woken by his wife who heard noises. He called the police and ventured outside with a hockey stick. Police arrived within minutes but the attackers had escaped.

9News reported that eight people were charged. The oldest was 62, and the youngest, 18 years old. They were charged with burglary and trespassing. They caused thousands of dollars worth of damage.

“Anyone who can be respectful is welcome here,” he said, adding that such incidents spread fear and panic.

This is not the first time that the building has been targeted. In 2015 an elderly person was injured. There have been similar threats and other acts of vandalism over the years.

The community said that they were willing to forgive the people who did this and invited them to come back to have a conversation or even have a meal, in the spirit of understanding.