Religiously aggravated criminal damage at two Milton Keynes mosques

An investigation has been opened after three suspected acts of religiously aggravated criminal damage took place in and around two mosques in Milton Keynes.

Between 10.30pm and 11pm on Saturday (September 24), graffiti was sprayed on Granby Mosque, Peverel Drive, Bletchley, and a shed to the side of the building was set alight and destroyed. Detectives believe this incident is connected to two other acts of criminal damage at the mosque in North Street, New Bradwell, and on a white Mercedes Sprinter van in Harwood Street, New Bradwell, overnight between Saturday and Sunday. In all three incidents offensive messages were sprayed.

DI Richard North, investigating officer, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around this time of these offences, or who has any information to contact my officers. Did you see anyone acting suspiciously near the mosques? Have you heard someone discussing this before or after Saturday night?

“These messages were highly offensive and designed to cause maximum upset to the Muslim community. We have increased our patrols in the areas and I would like to reassure everyone that we are doing all we can to catch those responsible.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Dave Phipps on 0845 8 505 505.

MK News, 26 September 2011

Via ENGAGE