A Dewsbury mosque on Ravenshouse Road was attacked during evening prayers on Thursday, the holy day of Ashura (tenth day of Muharram a significant date in the Islamic calendar) at around 10.30pm
A spokesperson of Madani Masjid, confirmed the news. The spokesperson told Asian Standard that the incident happened while a congregation were performing Isha prayers (the last of the five Islamic prayers of the day).
“Some youths barged into the mosque grounds with balaclava’s on. They started throwing stones and bricks on parked vehicles of the namazees (worshippers), who came to pray. They started abusing and shouting and swearing. They were saying: ‘We are going to create trouble.’ He said.
“It’s quite shameful.” He added
The spokesperson said that while no one was hurt, many vehicles had been damaged, which included severe damage to a BMW of a regular worshiper.
The spokesperson went on to say that police were called, but were too ‘busy’ to attend to the incident until the following morning.
Leader of Kirklees council, Cllr Shabir Pandor said: “I am saddened and shocked at the attack on Madani Masjid on Ravenshouse Road, Dewsbury and the reports of lack of police response. I have raised this with the Police and Crime Commissioner of West Yorkshire with a view to identifying and bringing to justice the perpetrators. This kind of behaviour to any place of worship and worshippers should not and will not be tolerated.”
West Yorkshire police have confirmed that officers were called at about 10.52pm to a report a caller had heard loud bangs and, after finishing prayers, had come outside the mosque to discover damage to three cars.
Police in Dewsbury have now started an appeal for information following reports of damage to three cars parked outside a mosque.
The Dewsbury Neighbourhood Policing Team would like to speak to anyone who has information about the offence which was reported to have taken place at around 10.30pm on Thursday August 19 outside a mosque on Ravenshouse Road, Dewsbury Moor.
Two males described as possibly Asian, tall, slim and wearing dark clothing and balaclava’s were reported to have run away from the scene, according to CCTV recording.
One was said to have run towards Low Road and the other towards the cemetery.
West Yorkshire police have said, all available officers were already deployed on other calls at the time the report was made, but crimes of criminal damage have been recorded and police are conducting enquiries.
Chief Inspector Alan Travis of Kirklees Police, said: “Officers have attended at the scene of this incident and have recorded three criminal damage offences in which damage has been caused to the windscreens of parked cars.
“We are speaking with victims to gain further details about what happened and are appealing for information from residents.
“We would in particular like to hear from anyone who saw men matching the suspect’s description fleeing the scene or who has any information at all about what took place.
“Information can be given to the Dewsbury NPT on 101 referencing police log 1756 of August 19 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat
“It can also be given anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”
