Man arrested after RATS released near Sheffield mosque

A man was spotted releasing three of the rodents from the boot of a car.

Rats were released close to Sheffield Grand Mosque on Grimesthorpe Road
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 26th Jun 2025

A man has been arrested on suspicion of a racially or religiously aggravated public order offence, after several rats were released close to a Sheffield mosque.

Police were called to Grimesthorpe Road in Burngreave, close to the Grand Mosque, at 8:15pm on Monday, after a man was spotted releasing three of the rodents from the boot of a car.

A 66 year old man has been arrested and released on bail.

Inspector Alec Gibbons, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "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.

"We have acted quickly to make an arrest and our enquiries will continue over the coming days. I'd urge anyone who has information which has not yet been reported to police to contact us online or by calling 101."

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