In connection with a hate crime, two men have been arrested after a pig’s head was thrown onto the roof of a mosque and community center. Three raids were conducted by police in Stockport this morning (December 14).
According to Greater Manchester Police, the two men arrested, ages 22 and 47, remain in custody for questioning. A hate crime occurred outside a place of worship on Battersea Road in Stockport on December 9, leading to two individuals’ arrests.
In Heaton Mersey, at around 9.15 pm on Friday, worshippers left a gathering at the Heatons Muslims Community Trust (HMCT), which includes a mosque and community facilities. In the following days, the Manchester Evening News reported that the animal’s head had been positioned on a low, flat portion of the building’s roof.
Detective Inspector Gareth Beasley of GMP’s Stockport division commented after the execution of the three warrants this morning that hate crimes are despicable and have no place in our society. In today’s action, GMP sends a clear message to our communities that hate crimes will never be tolerated. We will leave no stone unturned to hold those responsible accountable.
There can be many forms of hate crime – violence, offensive letters, damage to your property, etc., but none are acceptable, stated the police force. Therefore, we encourage anyone who has been the victim of a hate crime to report it to the police or a support agency. This will enable them to receive the necessary assistance and support.
Please get in touch with GMP with information about this incident, quoting 3246 09/12/22. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
