Police in Bristol are actively seeking information after bacon was placed on the door of a mosque. The incident, which occurred during a period of prayer and coincided with the holy month of Ramadan, is being treated as a hate crime. Investigators have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the event.
The situation in Bristol has prompted an increase in police patrols and engagement with community leaders and other mosques in the city. Officers are examining CCTV footage and gathering statements as part of their ongoing inquiries into the incident. The act has caused distress within the community, particularly during a time of religious observance.
Timeline of Events
The incident took place on Friday, February 20th, at a mosque located on Cheltenham Road in the Montpelier area of Bristol. It was reported to Avon and Somerset Police and occurred during prayer times, falling within the first week of Ramadan. The police received reports of a hate crime and have since confirmed this classification.
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| Actor | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Placed bacon on a mosque door | February 20th |
| Avon and Somerset Police | Received reports, began investigation | February 20th onwards |
| Avon and Somerset Police | Released CCTV images of a man sought for questioning | Recent |
| Community | Expressed concern and distress | Ongoing |
Evidence and Police Appeal
Avon and Somerset Police are treating the incident as a hate crime. They have described the man they wish to speak to as bald and wearing high-visibility trousers and a dark jacket.
CCTV Images: The police have released images as part of their public appeal.
Witness Statements: Officers have been collecting statements from individuals present during the incident.
Official Statement: Ch Insp Serena Serjeant stated, "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."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Avon and Somerset Police, quoting reference 5226049136.
Context of Similar Incidents
This event in Bristol is not isolated. Reports indicate similar incidents have occurred elsewhere, sometimes resulting in legal action.
Previous Bristol Incident (2017): In January 2017, Kevin Crehan was jailed for 12 months for his involvement in a group that tied bacon to the door handles of the Jamia Mosque in Bristol. Crehan died in prison in December 2016. A rally supporting Crehan took place in Bristol in March 2017, which involved a significant police presence.
Recent Cases (2024): In August 2024, Marcus Edwards, a football steward, was jailed for racially and religiously aggravated criminal damage after filming himself smearing raw bacon on a mosque door in what was described as a live-streamed attack. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court.
These prior events highlight a pattern of religiously motivated hostility directed at mosques, often involving the desecration of property with pork products, which are forbidden in Islam.
Community Impact and Response
The placement of bacon on a mosque door during Ramadan has understandably caused significant concern within the Muslim community in Bristol and beyond.
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Heightened Vulnerability: The incident occurred during a sacred month, a time when worshippers may feel more vulnerable.
Increased Patrols: Police have increased their presence in the area as a reassurance measure.
Liaison with Mosques: Authorities are in communication with the affected mosque and other Islamic centers in the city.
Broader Concerns: Organizations like Tell MAMA (Muslims Against Anti-Semitism) are urging mosques to review safety measures, particularly during Ramadan.
Expert Analysis
While specific expert commentary on the Bristol incident is not yet available in the provided data, the nature of the act and its classification as a hate crime align with broader discussions on religious intolerance.
"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." - Ch Insp Serena Serjeant, Avon and Somerset Police
The police's explicit designation of the incident as a hate crime underscores the perceived intent behind the act to cause offense and distress based on religious grounds. The focus on CCTV appeals and increased patrols reflects standard investigative procedures for such offenses, aiming to identify perpetrators and deter future occurrences.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The investigation into the bacon incident at the Bristol mosque is ongoing, with police treating it as a hate crime. The immediate steps involve:
Identifying the individual: Police are pursuing leads based on CCTV footage and public appeals.
Gathering further evidence: Continuing to collect statements and review any available footage.
Community reassurance: Maintaining increased police presence and communication with local religious communities.
The incident highlights the continued challenge of religious intolerance in communities. The response from Avon and Somerset Police, including the explicit condemnation and classification as a hate crime, signals a firm stance against such acts. Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.
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Express.co.uk: Article reports on the police release of CCTV images and details the incident as a hate crime occurring during Ramadan. (https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2174536/police-release-cctv-images-bacon-mosque-door-bristol)
BBC News: Article details the police hunt for a man and confirms the incident is being treated as a hate crime during Ramadan. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg4gxzyypn1o)
Tell MAMA UK: Article focuses on the CCTV appeal and mentions the religiously aggravated hate crime investigation. (https://tellmamauk.org/cctv-appeal-after-bacon-left-on-bristol-mosque-during-ramadan-prayers/)
The Independent: Article reports on the police investigation and treatment of the incident as a hate crime during prayer times. (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/bristol-mosque-bacon-police-investigation-b2925879.html)
Huffington Post UK: Article from 2017 details a past incident where bacon was tied to a mosque door in Bristol, leading to a jail sentence. (https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/far-right-bristol-protest-for-loyal-patriot-kevin-crehan-who-died-in-jail-after-mosque-bacon-attackuk58baf6b1e4b0b9989417fcfc)
WKBW: Article from 2015 about a police search for a man who wrapped raw bacon on a mosque door, investigating it as a possible hate crime. (https://www.wkbw.com/news/police-seek-man-who-wrapped-bacon-on-mosque-door)
Kent Online: Article from August 2024 details a football steward jailed for smearing bacon on a mosque door, live-streaming the racially aggravated attack. (https://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/football-steward-jailed-after-smearing-bacon-on-mosque-door-311499/)
The Islamic Information: Article from August 2024 reports on a man jailed for putting bacon on a mosque door in the UK, detailing his threats and conviction. (https://theislamicinformation.com/news/man-jailed-for-putting-bacon-on-mosque-door-in-uk/)
