Nadine Osman
A disturbing wave of anti-Muslim vandalism swept through London last month, with seven buildings—including mosques, community centers, and a primary school—defaced by hate-fuelled graffiti. The Metropolitan Police have condemned the incidents as “shocking” hate crimes, sparking fear and outrage among local communities.
The attacks, which occurred in east London, featured slogans such as “Remigrate or die,” “Paedophile council here,” and “Stop Islam” scrawled across the affected sites. The first act of vandalism was reported on January 6, with the most recent incident taking place on January 25.
Authorities are investigating potential links between the crimes, reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence to identify the perpetrators. Reports suggest that a Telegram hate group may have incited the attacks, allegedly offering a £100 reward to individuals who carried out the vandalism. While police have yet to confirm the extent of this connection, inquiries are ongoing.
In response, the Met has ramped up reassurance patrols in affected areas and is working closely with faith leaders to provide support to targeted communities.
Among the locations targeted, West Norwood Mosque and South Norwood Islamic Community Centre in Croydon, were vandalized on January 6.
On January 16, Thornton Heath Islamic Centre was also attacked. A week later, on January 23, Stratford Mosque in Newham, Leyton Jamia Masjid, and Albirr Foundation Mosque were all defaced.
The final known incident occurred on January 25 at Noor Ul Islam Primary School. Worshippers at both Stratford Mosque and Leyton Jamia Masjid have reached out to Sky News, expressing their distress at finding their places of worship defaced with hateful graffiti.
Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham, condemned the attack on Stratford Mosque, where an Islamophobic slogan was daubed on the building. She reassured the community, stating, “As soon as the Council was alerted by the police, officers acted swiftly to remove the offensive graffiti. While the criminal investigation is ongoing, the police have increased patrols in the area, supported by the Council’s Community Safety teams.
This includes dedicated patrols today, as well as a patrol car visiting all mosques in our borough over the weekend to reassure our Muslim communities. Additionally, our CCTV operators will be exercising extra vigilance.”
She acknowledged the anxiety this hate crime has caused among faith communities and emphasized the borough’s commitment to addressing the issue, “I understand that this incident has left many members of our valued faith communities feeling anxious and concerned. That is why I have written to faith leaders across Newham to reassure them that we are taking this matter extremely seriously. Islamophobia will not be tolerated in our borough—there is no place for hate in Newham.”
I am very disturbed by the appalling racist vandalism that has been directed at mosques and religious centres in Leyton. It does not reflect our community and we will not stand for vile hatred.
I will liaise with Police and community leaders to offer my support. In the…
— Calvin Bailey MBE MP (@CalvinBailey) January 25, 2025
Responding to the graffiti on social media, Leyton and Wanstead MP Calvin Bailey said, “I am very disturbed by the appalling racist vandalism that has been directed at mosques and religious centres in Leyton. It does not reflect our community, and we will not stand for vile hatred. I will liaise with Police and community leaders to offer my support.”
In a statement to The Muslim News Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell said, “We understand that Muslim communities will be feeling particularly concerned for their safety following this series of shocking hate crimes. Hate has no place on our streets, and tackling it is at the centre of our efforts to make Londoners from all backgrounds and communities feel safe. Our local officers will continue to work with community leaders and ensure that a thorough investigation is being conducted”.
The Stratford Islamic Association also spoke out, sharing a powerful message of unity and defiance. They highlighted that their mosque has been part of the community since 1993 and that in all that time, they have only known kindness and respect from their neighbours. They expressed pride in being an integral part of the community and stated that they had been deeply moved by the overwhelming support from people of all backgrounds.
Their statement continued with a resolute message, expressing gratitude for the swift and compassionate response from the council and the police.
They asserted that those responsible for this act of hate have shamed only themselves, declaring that this was not an act of faith but an act of cowardice.
They vowed that the attacks would not intimidate them, that they would not live in fear, and that together, as a united community, they would stand strong. No arrests have been made so far, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward by calling 101.
As investigations continue, the targeted communities remain unwavering in their resolve to stand against hate and fear. This spate of attacks has not only left physical scars on buildings but has also sparked an urgent call for unity, vigilance, and justice across London.
Photo:The Stratford Mosque was among seven Muslim organisations targeted with anti-Islam graffiti earlier this month. (Credit: Stratford Mosque)
