Muslim gravestones vandalised in Burnley
Police have launched a hate crime investigation
Police have launched a hate crime investigation, after three gravestones, in the Muslim section of Burnley Cemetery, have been vandalised with grey paint.
It's understood to have happened yesterday (Monday 5 July), and was reported to police just after 4pm.
The Leader of Burnley Council, Councillor Afrasiab Anwar MBE, has issued the following statement:
“What type of evil individual(s) would undertake such outrageous actions, in a sacrosanct place of reflection, where loved ones are buried, solely intended to provoke racial tensions? We are working with the police to identify the perpetrator(s) and to ensure they are reprimanded at the earliest opportunity. There is CCTV footage at the cemetery which the police are working through, and we are working with the police to ensure a heightened police presence in the area.
The council have made arrangements for the graves to be cleaned by a specialist memorial mason as a matter of urgency and the affected families are being contacted.
There are heinous individuals who are looking to provoke a reaction in our communities. With actions like this, it is extremely difficult to remain calm, but I would urge you not to react to the provocation.”
A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary has issued the following statement:
“We have launched an investigation after a report of criminal damage in Burnley today (Monday, August 5).
We were called around 4.15pm to Burnley Cemetery on Rossendale Road after a report that paint had been poured across headstones in a Muslim burial area.
The investigation into this matter is very much ongoing.
We are taking this matter incredibly seriously and this is being treated as a hate crime.
We do not tolerate hate of any form, and we will do everything in our power to identify the offenders and take the appropriate action.”
Anyone with information can contact the police on 101 quoting log 0982 of August 5.