Islamophobic Incident Leads to Hate Crime Probe in UK
Thames Valley Police said the data-x-items were discovered at the entrance of the Central Oxford Mosque on Manzil Way in the early hours of Tuesday.
In a statement posted on social media, the mosque said the pork had been found on door handles and the flag attached to one of the building's doors.
The force has appealed for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward. The mosque remains open with police providing support to those affected and officers patrolling the area.
Ch Supt Ben Clark said: "This was a provocative act to upset and offend mosque users.
"Such behavior has no place in our community and we will do everything in our powers to bring anybody involved to justice.
"An active investigation is ongoing with a number of lines of inquiry that are being progressed by detectives."
Central Oxford Mosque added that volunteers and the imam had purified and cleaned the entrance.
Ian Mckendrick, chair of Oxford Stand Up To Racism, called it a "despicable and cowardly attack designed to intimidate Muslim members of Oxford's diverse community".
The group has called a vigil at 17:30 BST on Wednesday on Manzil Way green to show solidarity with the Muslim community.
He added: "We hope the vigil will help counter the fear generated and show we are prepared to stand against attempts to terrorize members of our community."
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He also criticized the "racist rhetoric" of some politicians which he said was creating an "increasingly racist and dangerous climate".
The Oxfordshire Civic, Community and Faith Leaders group said it was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the incident, calling it an "assault on the core values of respect, dignity and unity that we cherish in Oxfordshire".
"Our hearts are with the Muslim community of Oxford," it said.
"We extend our full solidarity and support to the worshippers, the imams and the management of the Central Mosque, who have shown immense strength and grace in response."
"Oxfordshire is built on a foundation of strong, trusting relationships across all faiths and backgrounds. We will not allow acts of hatred to undermine the harmony we have built together.
"An attack on one community is an attack on us all. We are determined to continue stand together and support one another."
Source: ca.news.yahoo.com
