10 October 2023 , 05:08
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Police are appealing for information after a pig’s head was left outside the site of a proposed mosque in Lancashire.
Officers were called to Barnoldswick following a report of a racially aggravated public order offence on Sunday at 2.10pm. It was reported that the pig’s head had been left outside the former Methodist church building.
The pig's head is a direct insult to Muslims, who abstain from pork because the animals are considered 'impure'.
Lancashire Police have said the incident is being treated as a potential hate crime and efforts are ongoing to identify the individual responsible. Enquiries are ongoing which includes house to house visits and CCTV is being trawled through, Manchester Evening News reports.
Officers will also visit local butchers and abattoirs in the hope of identifying a suspect. Police patrols have also been stepped up as a precaution and anyone with information or concerns should stop an officer and speak to them.
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Inspector Claire Pearson, from the Pendle and Ribble Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I want to make it clear that we do not tolerate hate of any form and we are taking this incident extremely seriously.
“We have a dedicated team of officers assigned to this case and they are working around the clock to identify those responsible. I am sure the residents of Barnoldswick will be equally as appalled by this behaviour and I want to appeal directly to them to contact the police if they have any information or footage which would assist us in our enquiries.”
Ibrar Ahmed, from the Barnoldswick Islamic Centre, said: "This incident is not aligned with the spirit of Barnoldswick, where Muslims have been an integral part of the community since the 1960s. The Barnoldswick Islamic Centre remains committed to fostering peace and harmony, working alongside everyone in our town to promote understanding. The Barnoldswick we know and call home is a place of friendship and respect, and together, we'll ensure it stays that way."
Anyone with information which could assist with enquiries is asked to email [email protected] or call 101, quoting log 845 of October 8 2023.