After EDL protesters gather in Woolwich and three mosques are attacked overnight, a helpline reports a rise in reports of anti-Muslim abuse amid fears of a backlash.
The politically-motivated murder of a British soldier in Woolwich has sparked a rise in anti-Muslim attacks and fears of worse to come during weekly prayer gatherings at British mosques on Friday.
The anti-abuse monitoring group Tell Mama reported a ten-fold rise in attacks overnight. Most incidents took place online on social networking sites and forums, but some included “threats to kill”, the group told Channel 4 News.
We really fear if we have more attacks like this, that our good relations in this country will fracture – Fiyaz Mughal, Tell Mama
On Thursday, an EDL supporter falsely tweeted that Muslims were gathering to “celebrate” the Woolwich attack in Bolton. Greater Manchester Police told Channel 4 News there was no truth to the rumours.
For more details: www.channel4.com/news/woolwich-attack-muslims-fear-backlash-edl