Update: Edmund Fowler, 66, was charged with four counts of causing racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress and will appear in court today (27 June). The alleged incidents occurred on 3 May, 26 May, 7 June and 23 June 2025, South Yorkshire Police confirmed.
Original story below.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed the arrest of a 66-year-old man following the release of three rats near a mosque in Sheffield.
Police attended the Sheffield Grand Mosque on Grimesthorpe Road in Burngreave on Monday (23 June) at around 8:15 pm.
Officers from South Yorkshire Police arrested the 66-year-old on suspicion of a racially or religiously aggravated public order offence after he allegedly released three rats from the boot of their car.
In a press release, Inspector Alec Gibbons, from the North East Neighbourhood Policing Team, provided reassurance and clear that: “We understand this reported incident has caused concern locally and I’d like to reassure you that we are working hard to understand the full circumstances of what took place.”
CCTV footage also appeared online.
Tell MAMA is liaising with officers further, and we endeavour to provide further updates where possible.
Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting 874 of 23 June 2025, or do so online. Tell MAMA can pass information forward on your behalf or anonymously.