Police Probe Mosque Vandalism in Scotland as Community Voices Concern

IQNA – Police in Scotland are investigating vandalism at a mosque in East Renfrewshire after a pole was thrown through a window while children were inside.

The incident happened at Clarkston Community Centre, which houses Masjid Yusuf, at about 5.40 pm on September 24.

A spokesperson for the mosque said the act had caused distress to children, families, and community members. They described it as part of a troubling pattern of racist abuse towards Muslims in East Renfrewshire and across Scotland.

The Scottish Association of Mosques also condemned the incident, calling it a “calculated and cowardly attack” on a place of worship. Omar Afzal of the group said that although no one was injured, the community had been left “deeply shaken.”

Police Scotland confirmed an investigation is under way and appealed for witnesses to come forward. “Extensive enquiries are ongoing after a window was smashed at a premises on Stamperland Gardens,” a spokesperson said, urging anyone with information to contact officers.

Councillor Andrew Morrison said the incident, coming shortly after a Muslim schoolgirl was allegedly attacked in Newton Mearns, was unacceptable.

He added that East Renfrewshire has long been known as a diverse and cohesive community and expressed confidence that residents would wish to uphold these values.

There have been other incidents targeting Muslims in recent months. In August, a 17-year-old was sentenced to 10 years for planning a mass attack at a mosque in Greenock. Earlier this year, another teenager denied charges of vandalising a mosque in Aberdeen.

Community leaders warn that such acts risk inflaming tensions. “Any attack on any faith group is totally unacceptable,” Cllr Morrison said. “Every person of goodwill will be appalled by these incidents.”

The mosque in Clarkston, formerly a parish church sold by the Church of Scotland, was converted into a place of worship for Muslims after the sale.

Source: Agencies