Police are investigating a suspected hate crime after pork and an Israel flag were left at the entrance of a mosque in Oxford in the early hours of Monday morning.
Thames Valley Police confirmed that officers were called shortly before 1.40am on August 19 after the items were discovered at Central Oxford Mosque on Manzil Way.
According to the mosque, pork meat was smeared on door handles while an Israel flag was pinned to one of the building’s entrances. Volunteers and the imam later cleansed and purified the area.
Chief Superintendent Ben Clark of Thames Valley Police said: “This was a provocative act to upset and offend mosque users. Such behaviour has no place in our community and we will do everything in our powers to bring anybody involved to justice.
“An active investigation is ongoing with a number of lines of enquiry that are being progressed by detectives. We understand this incident is distressing and are working closely with community leaders while continuing our enquiries. The mosque remains open and officers are providing support to those affected.”
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward, quoting reference number 43250423138.
Community response
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The incident has provoked anger and concern among local community leaders and anti-racism campaigners.
Ian Mckendrick, chair of Oxford Stand Up To Racism, described the act as a “despicable and cowardly attack designed to intimidate Muslim members of Oxford’s diverse community.”
The group has organised a vigil on Manzil Way green at 5.30pm on Wednesday to show solidarity with the city’s Muslim population.
“We hope the vigil will help counter the fear generated and show we are prepared to stand against attempts to terrorise members of our community,” Mckendrick said.
He added that “racist rhetoric” from certain politicians was fuelling an “increasingly racist and dangerous climate.”
The Oxfordshire Civic, Community and Faith Leaders group also condemned the attack, saying it was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the incident.
In a joint statement, the group said: “This is an assault on the core values of respect, dignity and unity that we cherish in Oxfordshire. Our hearts are with the Muslim community of Oxford. We extend our full solidarity and support to the worshippers, the imams and the management of the Central Mosque, who have shown immense strength and grace in response.
“Oxfordshire is built on a foundation of strong, trusting relationships across all faiths and backgrounds. We will not allow acts of hatred to undermine the harmony we have built together. An attack on one community is an attack on us all. We are determined to continue to stand together and support one another.”
Rise in Islamophobia
The incident comes against a backdrop of rising anti-Muslim hate crimes across the UK since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, as well as the far-right riots last summer in the wake of the Southport attack where three young girls were stabbed to death.
Police forces across the country have also reported spikes in hate crime. In London, the Metropolitan Police said Islamophobic offences had tripled in the weeks following the October 7th Hamas-led attack on Israel, with Muslims disproportionately targeted on public transport, near mosques, and in schools.
5Pillars have also been reporting on the alarming rise in Muslims being harassed and attacked in public spaces like parks and beaches across England since the school summer holidays began in July.
