A pig’s head was stuck on a fence spike outside a Muslim school in Portsmouth. The attack on the Madani Academy in Fratton has been branded “a despicable incident” by the Islamic community.

Luthufur Rahman, who will be in charge of the school, was told by police officers what had happened.

“This despicable incident happened on December 3,” he said. “I was very upset and left sad by what happened. An investigation is going on. The pig’s head has gone now. We are looking to move forward. I hope it won’t happen again. I have no clue who did it. I was informed by the police and I don’t think this will affect when we will open.”

Councillor Mike Hancock, who represents Fratton, is a patron of the Madani Academy.

“I was horrified by what happened and it’s an absolute disgrace,” he said. “The people who did this should be totally ashamed of themselves. Members of the community came to me and said they were horrified by it. I wanted to put their minds at rest that this was an isolated incident. What will happen next? I hope it doesn’t lead to anything else. Using animal parts for anything is not acceptable behaviour.”

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “Police can confirm they are investigating a suspicious incident which occurred at the rear car park of the Madani Academy in Nutfield Place, Portsmouth, some time between 3.30pm on Sunday, December 1 and 11am on Tuesday, December 3.

“We would appeal to anyone who may have seen a person or persons acting suspiciously in the area at the time to get in touch with police on 101. We would like to thank the Academy for their assistance and support in this matter.”

Members of all faiths will be welcome at the school but teaching will be based on Islamic practices.

Portsmouth News, 14 December 2013

In August the Madani Academy was the target of a far-right demonstration that brought together the English Defence League, the South East Alliance, March for England, the English Volunteer Force and the Croydon Casuals.