Anti-Muslim graffiti has defaced seven buildings across London this month, including mosques, community centers, and a primary school, sparking outrage and concern among local communities. According to The Sky news, the Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into these incidents, labeling them as “shocking” hate crimes, with officers examining CCTV footage and looking into potential links between the attacks.
The vandalism spree began on Monday, 6 January, with the latest reported incident occurring on Saturday, 25 January. Among the targeted locations were West Norwood Mosque, South Norwood Islamic Community Centre, and Noor Ul Islam Primary School in Leyton. Worshippers at Stratford Mosque and Leyton Jamia Masjid described their buildings being defaced with anti-Islamic graffiti.
The Met revealed that the acts of vandalism may have been encouraged by a Telegram hate group reportedly offering £100 to individuals who carried out these attacks. Speaking to Sky News, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell condemned the incidents, stating, “Hate has no place on our streets, and tackling it is at the center of our efforts to make Londoners from all backgrounds and communities feel safe.”
In response to the attacks, the Met has increased patrols in affected areas and is actively working with local faith leaders to provide reassurance and support.
A statement from the Stratford Islamic Association highlighted the community’s resilience and gratitude for the support received. “Our mosque has been part of this community since 1993, and in all that time, we’ve only known kindness and respect from our neighbors,” they told Sky News. While describing the attacks as cowardly, they reaffirmed their commitment to standing united. “Those responsible for this act of hate have shamed only themselves. This is not an act of faith – it’s an act of cowardice. But they will not intimidate us. We will not live in fear.”
Londoners from all walks of life have expressed solidarity with the affected communities, with faith leaders, councils, and local residents rallying to condemn the attacks. Despite the overwhelming support, no arrests have been made so far, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward by calling 101.
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