Muslim-run community centre in Lancashire, England shut down by racist vandals

RELIGIOUS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Lancashire Muslim community centre in England was vandalised with evil, malevolent force.

“Hyphen” reported the Muslim-run Spring Hill Community Centre in Accrington, Lancashire, has been destroyed in two attacks by vandals within two days.

More than 65 window panes were smashed, doors were broken, furniture and toilets damaged, children’s toys were vandalised and copies of the Qur’an were ripped up. Racist and antisemitic graffiti was daubed on the walls and Lancashire Police are treating the attacks as hate crimes.

The centre engages with more than 200 visitors each day in one of the poorest parts of the country, without receiving any local government funding.

It is used for community events such as weddings, hosts a madrasa teaching Islamic and Arabic studies, as well as a private Islamic nursery.

Trustee Mufti Shamim Miah is quoted saying “the damage is so overwhelming, so destructive, so evil and malevolent, it just broke me”. Five teenagers have been arrested and released on bail.