Amira Al-Hooti

A Muslim family living in Willesden, Brent, North West London, have been subject to six Islamophobic incidents. The most recent attack took place on November 12.

In the last attack, animal faeces was left on their doorstep. Bilall Ahmed’s car was left with shattered windows, a damaged roof and derogatory messages, “Pakistani w**ker”, “c**t”, scratched into it. The car was vandalised before too.

They were very distressing for the family and have left them feeling fearful of what could potentially happen if the police don’t take appropriate action.

Ahmed told The Kilburn Times that he was being “ignored by the police” as they have not been taking any action following the numerous incidents. However, the Metropolitan Police told The Muslim News that “the investigation is in its early stages at this time and the victim is being informed of any progress”.

Ahmed, his family and many other members of the Black and Muslim community in Willesden have been targets of racially motivated attacks. The Metropolitan Police said that they were also “investigating criminal damage to a second nearby vehicle”.

Brent is said to be one of the most ethnically diverse boroughs in London, with large communities of Asians, Muslims and many other ethnic and religious groups.

Despite this, the Metropolitan Police recorded an increase in racially motivated crimes against Muslims in Brent, with two crimes recorded in October 2015 compared to October 2016 where the figures tripled to six.

A police spokesperson told The Muslim News that the local police in Brent “take all allegations of racially motivated crime seriously and will investigate robustly. In addition, the local Safer Neighbourhoods Team will be conducting reassurance patrols in the area.”