The Huddersfield Council of Mosques (HCoM) has issued an urgent plea for action, warning of a rise in anti-Muslim hatred following what residents have described as a “vile” act of Islamophobia in Almondbury.
Concerns were raised after a religious prayer sign at a burial ground was defaced with graffiti. Imam Mohammed Abubakar, 34, Secretary of HCoM, said the sign represented “a message of peace, remembrance and compassion”, making the incident “particularly upsetting”.
Imam Abubakar warned the vandalism was not an isolated case, pointing to a series of incidents in recent months. He said increasingly hostile public rhetoric towards Muslims was contributing to a climate of fear within the community.
Local resident Abdul Ahmed, 46, said the burial site had already become a source of distress, claiming some visitors had allowed dogs to defecate near Muslim graves. He added that racism across Kirklees appeared to have been “energised”.
“It’s very sad,” he said. “Racism is manifesting in vandalism and threats of violence towards people and places of worship. It means that everywhere – for example, at mosques – we have had to increase security.”
Imam Abubakar said mosques, traditionally open spaces, had been forced to introduce additional safety measures, including one-way locking systems during busy periods.
“At times, there can be up to 200 children inside,” he said. “Our greatest concern is safety.”
HCoM has now called for a “united response” from all political parties in Kirklees, alongside local MPs, to ensure tackling Islamophobia is given “the prominence it deserves”.
The call comes after controversy surrounding Councillor Eric Butterworth, who apologised for “any offence caused” by historic posts shared from an X account in his name. The posts, made between early 2025 and 2026, included content widely criticised as inflammatory, including an image bearing the words: “From the English Channel to the North Sea, Make England ISLAM-FREE.”
In a statement, HCoM said such remarks from public figures contribute to an environment where Muslims feel “increasingly anxious, unwelcome and vulnerable”.
“Political debate must never undermine the dignity, safety or sense of belonging of any community,” the statement read. “Muslims have been part of Kirklees’s fabric for generations. They should be able to practise their faith, attend their places of worship and visit the graves of loved ones without fear of hatred or intimidation.
“Islamophobia, like all forms of hatred, has no place in our society.”
Cllr Butterworth said the posts had been “cherry-picked” and taken out of context, insisting they were intended as satire.
“I want to be clear, I do not hold these views,” he said. “However, I understand how these posts may have caused offence. This was never my intention, and anyone who knows me personally can attest to that. I would like to apologise for any offence that they have caused.”
Imam Abubakar said he remained hopeful that “meaningful action” would follow, ensuring Kirklees remains a place where “everyone feels safe, respected and valued”.
Responding to the concerns, Kirklees Council Leader Sarah Wood said her “commitment is to the safety of all citizens of Kirklees”.
West Yorkshire Police confirmed that neighbourhood officers had increased patrols in Almondbury and were engaging with the local community as part of efforts to identify those responsible for the vandalism.
David Shepherd, Executive Director for Place at Kirklees Council, said the authority was “disappointed to see such reckless behaviour”.
“This bench was a place for reflection and for families to remember their loved ones,” he said. “Our thoughts go out to those who this bench was special to.
“We will be visiting the park to remove the debris and tidy up the area as soon as possible. A team will then be out to repair the bench to its former glory.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.
