Hate Crime in UK: Gurdwara and Mosque set on fire
A Gurdwara and a Mosque were set on fire in the English city of Leeds with the police treating them as hate crimes. The Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira Mosque in Hardy Street, Beeston, was attacked, along with Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Gurdwara in Lady Pit Lane. The main door of the mosque and the Gurdwara were set on fire at about 3.45am yesterday.
Both incidents treated as arson attacks and hate crimes
The Sikh Press Association said a bottle filled with petrol had been set alight at the doorstep of the Gurdwara. Residents called the fire brigade and the police. Detective Inspector Richard Holmes, of Leeds District CID, said, "We believe these premises have been specifically targeted as places of worship and we are treating both incidents as arsons and hate crimes."
Extensive inquiries to be carried out by the police
Homes said that the police is currently carrying out extensive inquiries, including checks on CCTV in both areas, and would like to hear from anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity in the areas around the time. Representatives of the Gurdwara said, "We have have been assured by the chief of Police that they are doing all they can to catch the criminals."
Police have increased patrols of the area
Inspector Ian O'Brien, who heads neighbourhood policing for south Leeds, said, "These incidents will cause an understandable level of concern in both the communities and we are working closely with key representatives from those communities to reassure them." He added that they have increased patrols of the area to provide visible reassurance to people living there and will keep key community representatives informed.
Hate crimes will not be tolerated
"Hate crimes that target particular communities and have the potential to cause divisions and tensions cannot and will not be tolerated and we will continue to do everything we can to find those responsible and support and reassure the communities affected," said O'Brien.
Mosques, Gurdwaras open doors to all
Nadeem Murtuja, interim director of Just Yorkshire which promotes racial justice, human rights, and equality, said such "acts of hate" were worrying. "Mosques, Gurdwaras and other places of worship repeatedly open doors to people of faith, no faith, and all diversities to improve understanding, yet hate crimes continue to rise and the police continue to provide support and assurance," he said.
