Police have launched an investigation after bacon was left on a door at a mosque in Bristol during Friday prayers, an act being treated as a hate crime. The incident occurred at the mosque on Cheltenham Road in the Montpelier area, during the first week of Ramadan.
Avon and Somerset Police said the bacon was placed on a glass door at around 2.15pm on Friday. Officers have increased patrols in the area while inquiries continue. The force described the act as a religiously aggravated public order offence.
Serena Serjeant, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “This was a deliberate act which has caused significant concern to the community during a period of heightened religious observance and we will not tolerate hate in our communities. We promptly attended the scene upon receiving the report and we are continuing to engage with mosque leaders throughout Ramadan following this appalling incident, and we will continue to offer our support and assurance.”
Police have issued an image of a man they wish to speak to who may hold information that could assist the investigation. He is described as having a bald head and was wearing hi-vis trousers and a dark jacket.
Anyone with information is urged to call Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting reference 5226049136.
