• Several masajid have been desecrated across London. These incidents are being investigated by the Metropolitan Police as hate crimes.
• The incidents are reported to be incited by a Telegram anti-Muslim hate group. Islamophobic attacks in the UK have risen by 600%.
A troubling surge in Islamophobic incidents has gripped London, as anti-Muslim graffiti was discovered defacing seven buildings across the city this month. The Metropolitan Police asserted that it is investigating “several incidents of criminal damage” and is treating them as “shocking” hate crimes. The first incident occurred on Monday, January 6, with the most recent reported on Saturday, January 25. Authorities are investigating whether the incidents are connected, including reviewing CCTV footage.
The incidents are reported to have been incited by a Telegram hate group, which offered £100 to individuals who carried out acts of vandalism. The Metropolitan Police stated that their investigation is ongoing. The police have increased reassurance patrols in the affected areas and are working closely with local Imams.
These acts of hate and vandalism, which targeted masajid, community centres, and even a primary school, signal a stark increase in hostility towards the Muslim community. Between January 6th and January 23rd, hate-filled slogans were painted on sacred spaces and public institutions, escalating concerns about the rise in Islamophobia.
The abhorrent messages included slogans such as “Stop Islam,” while more violent and alarming phrases, including “Remigration or Die”, references to paedophilia and Christian iconography, were also found.
The buildings targeted include:
• West Norwood Mosque, SE27, on Monday 6 January
• South Norwood Islamic Community Centre, Croydon, SE25, on Monday 6 January
• Thornton Heath Islamic Centre, CR7, on Thursday 16 January
• Stratford mosque, Newham, E15, on Thursday 23 January
• Leyton Jamia Masjid, E10, on Thursday 23 January
• Albirr Foundation mosque, E10, on Thursday 23 January
• Noor Ul Islam Primary School, E10, on Saturday 25 January
A statement from Stratford Islamic Association said: “Our mosque has been part of this community since 1993, and in all that time, we’ve only known kindness and respect from our neighbours.
“We are proud to be an integral part of this community, and today, we’ve been deeply moved by the overwhelming support from people of all backgrounds.”
It added: “The council and the police have stood with us, and we are truly grateful for their swift and compassionate response.
“Those responsible for this act of hate have shamed only themselves. 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.”
The targeted school, Noor Ul Islam Primary School, in particular, is a stark reminder of how far-right extremism and hostility extends to the most vulnerable members of society — children — who should never have to experience such hate in their places of learning.
Islamophobic attacks in the UK have recently surged by 600%, as reported by both the Metropolitan Police and the charity Tell Mamma. Consequently, the mainstream media and politicians have a very serious responsibility to combat it.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incidents to contact them on 101.
