Police launched an investigation after the front window of a mosque in east London was smashed on Friday evening. Officers attended the Hasanah Centre in Stratford following reports that the prayer venue had been vandalised at around 10.30pm.
The incident is the latest in a spate of religiously-aggravated attacks in London, according to reports. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and inquiries are continuing.
Local leaders respond
Local MP Uma Kumaran described the attack as 'concerning'. In a joint statement with Newham mayor Farhad Hussain, she said: 'We are aware of a concerning incident at Hasanah Centre Stratford. We are following the matter closely and are in touch with Newham Met Police to stay updated regarding the situation.'
The statement added: 'We want to reassure the Muslim community and all our communities in Newham that as your local MP and your Mayor the safety of local residents is our top priority.'
Community reaction
Newham Muslims said the 'alarming' attack saw the building's front-facing window shattered. The group said on X: 'As we enter Islamophobia Awareness Month, we wake up to a stark reminder that Newham is not immune to anti-Muslim hatred.'
'A mosque in Stratford has had its window smashed. Attacks on a places of worship must never be normalised.'
Police statement
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'An investigation has been launched after damage was caused to the front window of a mosque in Stratford in the early hours of Saturday, 31 October.'
'We understand this incident may cause concern within the community. London is shaped by diversity and anti-Islamic behaviour has no place in our city.'
'Although no arrests have been made at this stage, we are committed to tackling hate crime and have officers working at pace to build a picture of the incident and locate those responsible. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the police via 101.'
