Nadine Osman
Lancashire police have launch a hate crime investigation after Islamophobic graffiti was daubed on the gates of a mosque in Preston last month.
The abuse, which included the words ‘F*k off P***s’, was scrawled on the entrance gates of the Masjid-e-Salaam in Watling Street. A photograph of the graffiti was posted on the mosque’s official Twitter account.
Lancashire Constabulary investigators believe the offence took place between April 18 and 19.
Chief Inspector Gary Crowe said, “We are making a number of enquiries, including looking at CCTV, to find out who is responsible for this crime. We are maintaining contact with the mosque and patrols have been increased in the area.”
Labour Councillor Freddie Bailey said he was “absolutely disgusted” by attack.“Unfortunately last night someone graffitied the Mosque in the area I represent in Preston. There is no excuse for this act of hate.”
The Muslim representative on the Preston City Council faith covenant, Mukhtar Master, described it as “an isolated racist incident.”