In a troubling incident, Lancashire Police are appealing for public assistance following the discovery of a pig’s head outside the location of a proposed mosque in Barnoldswick.
The distressing event unfolded on Sunday at 2:10 pm when law enforcement received a report of a racially aggravated public order offense. Upon arrival, officers found the unsettling sight of a pig’s head left outside the premises of a former Methodist church.
This offensive act targets Muslims, who abstain from consuming pork due to their belief that these animals are considered impure.
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The Lancashire Police are treating this incident as a potential hate crime and are diligently working to identify the person responsible. Their ongoing efforts include house-to-house visits and an extensive review of CCTV footage, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
In a bid to identify a suspect, officers plan to visit local butchers and abattoirs. Additionally, police patrols have been intensified as a precautionary measure, and individuals with information or concerns are encouraged to approach officers.
Inspector Claire Pearson, representing the Pendle and Ribble Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team, emphasized the police’s unwavering stance against hate in all forms, asserting that this incident is taken exceptionally seriously. She further highlighted the dedicated team of officers actively working to identify the culprits and appealed to Barnoldswick residents for any information or footage that could aid the investigation.
Ibrar Ahmed, a member of the Barnoldswick Islamic Centre, expressed his disappointment over the incident. He stressed that the actions of the individuals responsible do not align with the spirit of Barnoldswick, a town where Muslims have been an integral part of the community since the 1960s. Ahmed reaffirmed the Islamic Centre’s commitment to promoting peace and harmony and working alongside the community to foster understanding. He emphasized that Barnoldswick, their cherished home, is a place of friendship and respect, and they are determined to ensure it remains so.
Individuals with information relevant to the investigation are urged to contact the police via email at [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting log number 845 of October 8, 2023. Your cooperation can play a vital role in bringing those responsible to justice and upholding the values of tolerance and inclusivity that the community stands for.
