AhlulBayt News Agency: Bedfordshire Police have issued a public appeal for witnesses in connection with a vandalism incident at Luton's Al Jalal Mosque.
The incident occurred between 10pm on April 22 and 2pm on April 23. During this time, a banner displayed at the mosque was defaced with a red spray-painted cross.
Authorities believe two individuals, whose images have been circulated, may possess vital information regarding the case.
PC Bedford-Orchart of the Bedfordshire Police CID commented on the situation: "We believe this to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the community. We understand this can be distressing to members of the community, particularly those from our Muslim communities and who access this building for religious purposes.”
“We are appealing to members of the public and local businesses for any information, dashcam or CCTV footage that may help us – as well as anyone who can help identify those pictured to get in touch.”
The police urge anyone with information to come forward and assist by contacting the non-emergency number 101 or using the online reporting center, referencing incident number 335 of April 23.
There has been a record number of anti-Muslim hate incidents have been reported in the UK since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza, according to Tell MAMA, a group that which monitors and reports anti-Muslim hate.
In a February report, Tell MAMA said it had logged 2,010 incidents between October 7, 2023, and February 7, 2024. That was more than three times the 600 incidents recorded in the same period a year earlier, a 335-percent increase.
Of the 2,010 incidents, 901 were offline and 1,109 were online. London had the highest number of offline incidents, which ranged from verbal abuse and threats to physical assaults and vandalism. Women were the main victims, accounting for 65 percent of cases, the group said.
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The incident occurred between 10pm on April 22 and 2pm on April 23. During this time, a banner displayed at the mosque was defaced with a red spray-painted cross.
Authorities believe two individuals, whose images have been circulated, may possess vital information regarding the case.
PC Bedford-Orchart of the Bedfordshire Police CID commented on the situation: "We believe this to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the community. We understand this can be distressing to members of the community, particularly those from our Muslim communities and who access this building for religious purposes.”
“We are appealing to members of the public and local businesses for any information, dashcam or CCTV footage that may help us – as well as anyone who can help identify those pictured to get in touch.”
The police urge anyone with information to come forward and assist by contacting the non-emergency number 101 or using the online reporting center, referencing incident number 335 of April 23.
There has been a record number of anti-Muslim hate incidents have been reported in the UK since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza, according to Tell MAMA, a group that which monitors and reports anti-Muslim hate.
In a February report, Tell MAMA said it had logged 2,010 incidents between October 7, 2023, and February 7, 2024. That was more than three times the 600 incidents recorded in the same period a year earlier, a 335-percent increase.
Of the 2,010 incidents, 901 were offline and 1,109 were online. London had the highest number of offline incidents, which ranged from verbal abuse and threats to physical assaults and vandalism. Women were the main victims, accounting for 65 percent of cases, the group said.
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