Mosques, community centres and school vandalised with anti-Muslim graffiti in 'shocking' hate crime
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London mosques, community centres and a primary school has been vandalised with anti-Muslim graffiti this month.
The Metropolitan Police has said that it has now launched an investigation into “several incidents of criminal damage”, treating the instances as “shocking” hate crimes.
With the first incident taking place on January 6 and the most recent one yesterday, officers are searching for a tangible link between the offences in south and east London.
Some of the buildings that fell victim to the arsonists are Stratford mosque and Leyton Jamia Masjid - both of which had Islamophobic messages strewn across their walls.
Seven buildings have been vandalised with anti-Muslim messages across London so far this month including a primary school
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Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell, who is overseeing London policing this weekend, said: “We understand that Muslim communities will be feeling particularly concerned for their safety following this series of shocking hate crimes.
“Hate has no place on our streets, and tackling it is at the centre of our efforts to make Londoners from all backgrounds and communities feel safe.
“Our local officers will continue to work with community leaders and ensure that a thorough investigation is being conducted”.
One of the mosques that had been vandalised, Stratford Islamic Association, said that it appreciated the local community’s “overwhelming support” in the wake of the incident.
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“Those responsible for this act of hate have shamed only themselves,” a spokesman told Sky News
“This is not an act of faith - it's an act of cowardice. But they will not intimidate us. We will not live in fear. Together, as a united community, we will stand strong.”
In response to the same graffiti, Newham mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said that she was “deeply troubled and concerned”.
She said: “I understand that this hate crime will have made many members of our valued faith communities anxious and concerned, and that is why I have written to faith leaders in Newham to reassure them that we are taking this incident very seriously.”
Newham mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said that she was “deeply troubled and concerned”
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“Islamophobia will not be tolerated in our borough and there is no place for hate in Newham.”
Police are urging anyone with information about the incidents to contact them on 101.
Buildings targeted by Islamophobic graffiti in January so far:
- January 6: West Norwood Mosque, SE27
- January 6: South Norwood Islamic Community Centre, Croydon, SE25 5JJ
- January 16: Thornton Health Islamic Centre, CR7
- January 23: Stratford Mosque, Newham, E15
- January 23: Leyton JAMAI MASJID, E10
- January 23: AL-BIRR Mosque, E10
- January 25: Noor Ul Islam Primary School, E10
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