Anti-Muslim hate crimes soar since Woolwich attack

Lee Rigby’s family say he would not want people to use his name as an excuse to attacks others. But figures show that violence against Muslim targets has increased fivefold since his murder.

Channel 4 News has obtained figures from the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), which emerged as Drummer Lee Rigby’s family appealed for calm following his killing on 22 May.

136 complaints of anti-Muslim incidents were reported online to police in the week following the killing – that included violence and internet material. The number is five times the number recorded in the preceding week, although the numbers hit a peak the day after the murder.

Channel 4 News, 31 May 2013