Aug 5, 2024 12:42 AM
(This post was last modified: Aug 5, 2024 10:43 PM by C C.)
https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2024-08...vandalised
RELEASE: A council leader has slammed the "evil individuals" he believes are trying to "provoke a reaction in our communities" after Muslim gravestones were vandalised. Grey paint was poured over a number of headstones in the Muslim section of Burnley Cemetery on Monday 5 August, with Lancashire Police treating it as a hate crime.
Following news of the attack the Leader of Burnley Council, Councillor Afrasiab Anwar MBE, urged the Muslim community not to retaliate. He said: “What type of evil individual(s) would undertake such outrageous actions, in a sacrosanct place of reflection, where loved ones are buried, solely intended to provoke racial tensions?
"We are working with the police to identify the perpetrator(s) and to ensure they are reprimanded at the earliest opportunity. There is CCTV footage at the cemetery which the police are working through, and we are working with the police to ensure a heightened police presence in the area. The council have made arrangements for the graves to be cleaned by a specialist memorial mason as a matter of urgency and the affected families are being contacted. There are heinous individuals who are looking to provoke a reaction in our communities. With actions like this, it is extremely difficult to remain calm, but I would urge you not to react to the provocation.”
Lancashire Police said it was treating the hate crime "incredibly seriously".
A spokesperson said: “We have launched an investigation after a report of criminal damage in Burnley today (Monday, August 5). "We were called around 4.15pm to Burnley Cemetery on Rossendale Road after a report that paint had been poured across headstones in a Muslim burial area.
"The investigation into this matter is very much ongoing. We are taking this matter incredibly seriously and this is being treated as a hate crime. We do not tolerate hate of any form, and we will do everything in our power to identify the offenders and take the appropriate action. Anyone with information can contact the police on 101 quoting log 0982 of August 5."
RELEASE: A council leader has slammed the "evil individuals" he believes are trying to "provoke a reaction in our communities" after Muslim gravestones were vandalised. Grey paint was poured over a number of headstones in the Muslim section of Burnley Cemetery on Monday 5 August, with Lancashire Police treating it as a hate crime.
Following news of the attack the Leader of Burnley Council, Councillor Afrasiab Anwar MBE, urged the Muslim community not to retaliate. He said: “What type of evil individual(s) would undertake such outrageous actions, in a sacrosanct place of reflection, where loved ones are buried, solely intended to provoke racial tensions?
"We are working with the police to identify the perpetrator(s) and to ensure they are reprimanded at the earliest opportunity. There is CCTV footage at the cemetery which the police are working through, and we are working with the police to ensure a heightened police presence in the area. The council have made arrangements for the graves to be cleaned by a specialist memorial mason as a matter of urgency and the affected families are being contacted. There are heinous individuals who are looking to provoke a reaction in our communities. With actions like this, it is extremely difficult to remain calm, but I would urge you not to react to the provocation.”
Lancashire Police said it was treating the hate crime "incredibly seriously".
A spokesperson said: “We have launched an investigation after a report of criminal damage in Burnley today (Monday, August 5). "We were called around 4.15pm to Burnley Cemetery on Rossendale Road after a report that paint had been poured across headstones in a Muslim burial area.
"The investigation into this matter is very much ongoing. We are taking this matter incredibly seriously and this is being treated as a hate crime. We do not tolerate hate of any form, and we will do everything in our power to identify the offenders and take the appropriate action. Anyone with information can contact the police on 101 quoting log 0982 of August 5."