Muslim community condemns racially aggravated attack on Sheffield schoolgirl

Redana Al-Hadi, aged 14, from Upperthorpe, was travelling home with her sister and a group of friends from Silverdale School when she was attacked one week ago today.

The teenager was on a single decker bus bound for Ecclesfield when the attack, which was filmed on mobile phones and shared online, took place shortly after 4.30pm.

A woman became embroiled in a row with the schoolchildren and then violence erupted and spilled out onto Ecclesall Road.

At one point in the footage, which has gone viral, the woman can be seen on top of Redana as they are both on the ground.

Redana claims the argument initially started after a man on the bus began to mock the group's accents and because the girls were wearing a hijab.

Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at the Baitul Afiyat Mosque, Sheffield, have now spoken out about the incident.

Mr Aneeq ur Rehman, Imam of the Baitul Afiyat Mosque Sheffield on Sussex street, said: “It is deeply concerning to see anyone subjected to racism and prejudice, particularly school children.

“In this case, the violent racism and Islamophobia directed at this young girl was completely unacceptable and we condemn it outright.

“There is no rational reason for why someone would harbor such hatred for a simple piece of cloth or the colour of one's skin.

“Anyone who has read Islam's holy book, the Holy Qur'an, will know that the hijab represents a message of peace, compassion, empowerment and tolerance for all.

“slam is a religion of peace and teaches love, harmony and respect for all regardless of their colour, creed or nationality.

“In order to promote the beautiful teachings of Islam, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Sheffield is regularly organising sharing a meal sessions with homeless people, visits to care homes and hospitals, as well as many other charity collection events and other activities.

“It is our ardent desire that through our mutual endeavours we will one day be able to live in a society where we celebrate one another and the positivity that we bring to this beautiful country.”

South Yorkshire Police said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

A 40-year-old woman, arrested at the scene, was given a caution for assault, while a 44-year-old man arrested over the incident remains on police bail.Anyone with information should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 601 of December 4.