'Hate crime' investigation over Sheffield Islamic centre 'pork' incident
Call for calm and peace from leaders at Islamic centre
Police have began an investigation over reports of a ‘hate crime’ at a well known Sheffield Islamic Centre.
South Yorkshire Police were called in over the incident, which was reported in the early hours of Thursday morning, and involved a copy of the Qur’an being thrown through the gates, with pork in its pages.
The Qur’an is the Holy book of Islam, and Muslims are forbidden from eating pork.
South Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “An investigation is underway following the reports of a hate crime at Wybourn Islamic Centre on Maltravers Road in Sheffield.
“It is believed that a suspect put a Qur’an containing meat inside the property’s boundary.
“Officers are conducting enquiries to find who is responsible and urge anyone with information to come forward and speak to us.”
The incident, which happened in the early hours of the morning, involved an English translation of Islam’s Holy book, the Qur’an, being thrown through the gates, with slices of pork inside it.
Leaders at the Wybourn Islamic Centre appealed for calm, unity and peace after the incident, and the wider community has also condemned the incident.
Wybourn Islamic Centre issued a statement on the incident on Thursday, which describes what happened as disturbing, adding that leaders are deeply saddened.
It stated: “At approximately 2am, an individual threw an English translation of the Holy Qur’an inside the gates of our masjid. When the Qur’an was subsequently discovered, three slices of pork were found deliberately placed between its pages.
“This was an extremely disrespectful and offensive act towards our faith, our sacred scripture and the Muslim community. The circumstances indicate that this was a deliberate act intended to cause offence and provoke a reaction.
“We strongly condemn this behaviour. However, as Muslims, we are guided by the values of peace, patience, dignity, wisdom and restraint. We will not allow an act of provocation to divide our community or cause us to respond with anger or hostility.”
“We urge everyone in our community to remain calm and united. Please do not engage in confrontation, retaliation or inflammatory comments, either in person or on social media. We must allow the relevant authorities to investigate the incident properly and take whatever action is appropriate.”
They added: “We stand firmly against hatred and disrespect, but we will continue to uphold peace, justice and dignity. We should not allow the actions of one individual to create division within our wider community.
“Wybourn Islamic Centre is, and will remain, a place of worship, peace, community and unity.”
Community leaders of all backgrounds have condemned the action of those responsible for the incident.
Coun Laura Moynahan, ward council for Manor and Castle on Sheffield Council, said: “Councillor Elle Dodd and I are appalled by this disgusting attack.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder against all forms of hatred, division and racism in our community.”
Anyone with information should call 101 and quote incident number 347 of September 4, 2026.