‘Muslims Out’ daubed on Sunderland mosque wall

The Independent and The Chronicle report on a suspected hate crime in Sunderland where the Jami-Masjid on Chester Road was vandalised and the words “Muslims Out” daubed on its outer walls.

The incident is believed to have happened sometime between Friday 27 and Saturday 28 January. Northumbria police have confirmed an incident report and officers have increased patrols in the area to “reassure locals”.

The mosque’s imam, Syed Shuheb, said the mosque had been the target of hate crimes more frequently in recent years.

He said: “In the first seven years we had just one incident against us – but in the last four years we’ve had at least one every year. It’s getting worse.”

Saying that he hoped to address the prejudice and its impact on local residents, the imam said he wasn’t looking for the perpetrator to be punished, but educated.

“We just want them to be made to understand it effects [sic] and upsets people,” Imam Shuheb said.

“I think it’s important that those in power send a strong message that this behaviour should not be tolerated in a civilised and sensible society,” he added.

CCTV footage of the perpetrator has been captured, according to the reports.

Anyone who has any information about the incident is urged to contact the police on 101, quoting reference 263 280117 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111