Devon and Cornwall Police have appealed for information following the racially aggravated vandalism of a mosque in Pinhoe, Exeter, which is being investigated as a hate crime.
A post on a local Facebook group detailed the deeply upsetting attack, whilst thanking locals who assisted with removing the graffiti, which included the racist P-word slur and Christian crosses.
The post described an “outpouring of immediate kindness and solidarity” across Pinhoe and Exeter, from the local church to those who cried with them, stood with them and helped paint over the graffiti, alongside their dedicated volunteers from the mosque and local community.
The mosque also thanked police for their reassuring presence and assistance.
“The strong support we witnessed clearly shows that standing against goodness and kindness will never find a place or acceptance in British society,” the statement added.
Devon and Cornwall Police described how the racist graffiti appeared overnight between 30 and 31 January at the mosque on Main Road in Pinhoe.
“We want to be clear that there is no place for racism in Exeter and we will continue to work to identify the person responsible,” the force made clear in its statement.
Tell MAMA will further liaise with officers, and we hope to provide further updates where possible. We remain deeply concerned about the targeting of mosques in recent months. The security of mosques, like any place of worship, is paramount.
Mosques can find tailored safety advice on our website.
Got information? Call 101, and quote the reference 50260025852. Tell MAMA can do this on your behalf or anonymously.