Stockport mosque community ‘feels unsafe’ after attacks

Two attacks on a mosque in Greater Manchester in recent months has left the Muslim community there feeling unsafe, an imam has said.

Dr Ibrahim, from Elaf Mosque in Cheadle Heath, Stockport, said two people wearing masks were captured on CCTV throwing large chunks of paving slabs through the mosque’s windows just before 03:00 BST on Thursday morning.

In April, some attackers threw rubbish and pork meat through the door on to the carpet inside, he said.

Greater Manchester Police said the force had been investigating both incidents.

Officers met with representatives from the mosque and were working to identify the people responsible for the most recent attack, the force added.

The mosque’s windows were smashed, and large chunks of masonry were strewn over the ground.

Dr Ibrahim, who also works as a GP, has called for support from police, the council and the community after the attacks.

He said: “We need to live in love and peace, and this is a kind of Islamophobia.

“We raised our concerns now about what happened because we don’t feel safe in the mosque as Muslims.

“We don’t know what will happen next time as long as the attackers are free to do whatever [they] want.”

Dr Ibrahim said the mosque, which has been operating for about six months after the building was converted from a church, had a good relationship with the community.

Mosque volunteers also run children’s programmes and distributed gifts to homes in the area during Ramadan.

“We are trying to reassure neighbours that the mosque is for the sake of the community and it’s open for everyone and you are welcome.”