A mosque in Sunderland which has previously been targeted by far-right extremists has had all its windows smashed.
According to locals, Millfield Mosque has faced hatred and protests since the day it opened.
Resident Shah Jahan Alom said on his Facebook page on April 25: “These mosques are used by the community, our children, girls, boys, elderly all use the mosque. What threat can a mosque be? How can people be so hate-filled that they would cause so much damage?
“Hatred can only be conquered by love and compassion. The whole community should come around to support all places of worship, and protect peoples rights to pray in a safe and peaceful environment.”
In 2013 six men were charged following a protest over the then-proposed mosque.
The demo turned violent when far-right and anti-fascist groups clashed near the proposed site on St Marks Road.
The Sunderland Echo reported that Sunderland magistrates were told that both sides were shouting at each other from the start but: “The right-wing group was the most hostile, trying on several occasions to breach the police line to get at the left-wing demonstrators.
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On the day, members of the North East Infidels – one of the many far-right groups opposing the construction of the mosque – could be heard chanting “we want our country back” and banners were held aloft with slogans such as “Deport Pakistani Muslim Paedophiles”.
Sunderland Anti-Fascist Coalition held a counter-protest in response to the NEI’s and North East English Defence League’s protests – and the anti-fascists could be heard chanting “burn in hell EDL” whilst holding a banner saying “We Are Sunderland”.
The decision to turn a council transport depot into a mosque next to Aldi in Millfield has caused plenty of controversy. Residents also claimed the mosque would bring noise and parking issues to the area.
