A hate crime investigation is ongoing following the dumping of pig heads outside of two schools and a youth centre in Rainham, in the London borough of Havering.
Reports in the local press, including the Romford Recorder, confirmed that graffiti also appeared at each location.
The police confirmed that the pig heads and graffiti appeared on the morning of 26 July, with one found at 4 am.
The shameful targeting of schools and a youth centre drew strong condemnation from the local MP Margaret Mullane.
In a statement, Superintendent Simon Hutchison, who leads neighbourhood policing, made clear that: “These incidents are being treated as Islamophobic hate crimes. I know that people in Rainham are as shocked and appalled at these acts as am I.”
Officers spoke with local Muslim faith leaders, community representatives, and elected officials to give more insights into the investigation and understand community concerns, adding that officers are trawling CCTV footage and increasing patrols in the local area.
Tell MAMA is liaising with the police further and endeavours to provide further updates where possible.
Anyone with information can contact 101, quoting the reference 1878/26JUL. Tell MAMA can pass information forward on your behalf or anonymously.