Anti-Islamic slogans were found spray painted on a building near a mosque in south London on New Year’s Day.
The graffiti was found on a building near to the North Brixton Islamic Cultural Centre, which serves as a community hub in the city centre neighbourhood. A statement said London’s Metropolitan Police was working with the local authorities to remove the “the offensive remarks” from the building as soon possible. The police said they were investigating who was responsible.
“Shockingly, hate crime affects people from all walks of life and impacts on communities across London. All members of our communities have the right to go about their daily life without fear of verbal, physical or written abuse,” it said.
“The Met does not tolerate any form of discrimination, and we are committed to tackling offences like this as thoroughly as possible.”
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London who is also a Muslim, said on Wednesday he was “disgusted” to have heard about the hate slogans.
"Let me be clear: all prejudice is cowardly and criminals will face the full force of the law,” Mr Khan said on Twitter.
Disgusted to hear that Islamophobic slogans have been spray painted near the North Brixton Islamic Centre. @metpoliceuk are working with Lambeth Council to have them removed, but let me be clear: all prejudice is cowardly and criminals will face the full force of the law.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) January 1, 2020
Claire Waxman, the victims’ commissioner for London, said: “Sickening to hear this has happened. We must stand united against hate & in solidarity with North Brixton Islamic Centre.”
The anti-Muslim slogans come just days after anti-Semitic graffiti was sprayed across several shops and a synagogue in Hampstead and Belsize Park, North London.
During Ramadan last year, then-British home secretary, Sajid Javid, launched a new £5 million (Dh 24.3m) fund would help places of worship gain security training and share best practice to protect their worshippers.
Mr Javid promised “increased activity” of police to protect places of worship after a spate of terrorist attacks were reported on mosques in Britain last year.
