News / News Wire
Totterdown mosque attacked with bacon
An anti-Muslim group attacked Totterdown mosque on Sunday, leaving bacon and hurling abuse during prayertime before hoisting a flag.
News of the attack was shared on community Facebook group BS3 Connect, where hundreds of people rallied in support of the Bristol Jamia Mosque on Green Street.
Rabia Zaheer posted details, saying: “Some sad information to share with you all. Totterdown mosque has been attacked this afternoon. Pig meat was left outside at prayer time and they hung their flag up.
is needed now More than ever
“The worst thing is they decided to hang around and hurl abuse at the elderly men trying to pray. The locals did try to intervene and shout the scum down.”
A picture of the attack was left on the Facebook page of the Bristol United Patriots, with the message: “Someone hit Totterdown mosque with bacon sarnies. Don’t know who done it, but fair shout to them.”
Ruquaya Gill, on the BS3 Connect page, added: “Hi, some utter scum (for want of a better word) attacked our local mosque earlier today, it was mostly elderly people present and thankfully no-one was hurt.
“As victims of stereotyping, stigma and prejudice we, as muslims, strive to ensure we do not label whole communities upon the actions of others as we know how shit it feels!”
Messages of support followed, including one from Mel Meale, saying: “Let it be known that these are far and few between idiots; the rest of us are well aware that Islam does not equate to terrorism. You have my support.”
Anna Grear added: “Oh. That is really sad. Please let anyone in the community know that they are not rejected here in Bristol. These people have not acted in my name, nor the name of the vast, vast majority of locals I would hope and believe.”
Police have been called and CCTV is being checked around the mosque, which was converted from a church in 1968.