Police probe launched into death threat hate crime at Islamic centre in Sheffield
Police investigate after defaced Qur’an with threat to ‘kill all Muslims’ left at Sheffield Islamic centre
A Qur’an bearing death threats and hateful remarks was thrown inside the grounds of a well known Islamic centre in Sheffield, triggering a police probe.
The incident at Wybourn Islamic Centre, on Maltravers Road, Arbourthorne, was reported to South Yorkshire Police on Sunday, October 25.
In an online post about the incident, the centre said a copy of the Qur’an bearing crosses was discovered by a worshipper arriving for Fajr prayer.
One page contained the words: “This is a human country. Kill all adult Muslims.”
Other pages were filled by what the centre described as “deeply offensive remarks about [our] faith”.
The Wybourn Islamic Centre said an individual wearing a hooded top had arrived at the centre at around 1.45am to place the copy there.
South Yorkshire Police said: “On 25 October we received a report of a racially aggravated harassment following an incident at Wybourn Islamic Centre on Maltravers Road in Sheffield.
“It is understood that a Quran, with graffiti and hateful remarks was thrown inside the property’s boundary.
“Officers are conducting enquiries and urge anyone with information to get in touch.”
It is the second such incident in two months, following another reported on September 3.
On that occasion a Qur’an containing meat was left at the centre.
In a statement about that incident, South Yorkshire Police said: “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 Quran 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.”
Labour MP Louise Haigh said: “It’s distressing to see that the Wybourn Islamic Centre has once again been the target of another disturbing incident, the second in as many months. South Yorkshire Police are working with community leaders to try to identify those responsible.
“Everyone should be free to attend their place of worship without fear of attacks or discrimination. No place of worship should be targeted in this manner and I’m standing with the community at this difficult time.”
The centre thanked Ms Haigh for her support, saying: “Our community deeply appreciates your solidarity at a difficult moment for Wybourn Islamic Centre.
“This latest incident has understandably caused distress, especially as it is the second in as many months.
“We are grateful that South Yorkshire Police are working closely with community leaders to identify those responsible.
“We fully agree that everyone should be able to attend their place of worship without fear, discrimination, or intimidation.
“Acts targeting places of worship do not reflect the values of our city, where communities stand together in peace and mutual respect.
“Your support strengthens our resolve to remain calm, united, and committed to harmony in Wybourn and across Sheffield.”
Call South Yorkshire Police on 101.