UK Police Arrest Man After Racially Aggravated Assault Outside Portsmouth Mosque
The incident took place on the evening of 31 August outside the Jami Mosque on Victoria Road North, where a group of worshippers, including women and children, were gathered in prayer. Police said the suspect used racist language and threatened members of the group before violence escalated.
In a statement, a Portsmouth police spokesperson said: “We are aware of a video that is circulating on social media platforms in regards to a racially aggravated assault on Victoria Road North yesterday… We were called to a report that just before 9:30pm on Sunday 31 August, a man was being racially abusive to a small group of men, women and children who were praying outside of the Jami Mosque.”
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According to police, the suspect allegedly punched a man in the chest after being asked to stop the abuse. He then brandished a knife and threatened two members of the group before discarding the weapon and leaving the area. No serious injuries were reported.
Investigators confirmed that a 29-year-old man from Southsea has been arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of a bladed article in public. He remains in custody as enquiries continue. Officers urged witnesses to come forward with information.
The incident comes amid a rise in racially motivated crimes and far-right activity across the UK in recent weeks. Mosques and minority-owned businesses have been targeted in separate attacks, while organised campaigns linked to far-right groups have promoted nationalist slogans and imagery in public spaces.
On 28 August, the South Essex Islamic Centre in Basildon was vandalised with red crosses and slogans such as “Christ is King” painted on its walls. Local council leader Gavin Callaghan condemned the act as “scum behaviour” that disgraced the town.
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The following day, a Chinese takeaway in York was defaced with the words “go home” and a St George’s cross. Locals quickly rallied to clean the premises, with the owners thanking the community for their support.
A social media campaign known as Operation Raise the Colours has also spread nationalist graffiti and flags across motorways and public infrastructure. HOPE Not Hate, an anti-extremism watchdog, has linked the initiative to Andrew Currien, a former English Defence League associate now working with Britain First. Currien was previously convicted in connection with a fatal racist brawl in 2009.
Source: Agencies
